Dihydromorphine is a semisynthetic OPIOID ANALGESIC (painkiller), derived from MORPHINE. Structurally, it is very similar to morphine—the only difference being the reduction of the double bond between positions 7 and 8 in morphine to a single bond. Although slightly more potent than morphine in relieving PAIN, it is not widely used clinically. At standard analgesic doses, it has a side-effect profile very similar to that of morphine. These include constipation and respiratory depression. Chronic use will produce TOLERANCE AND PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE.

Figure 1 Dihydromorphine

See Also

Addiction: Concepts and Definitions; Opiates/Opioids; Opioids: Complications and Withdrawal)

Bibliography

REISINE, T., & PASTERNAK, G. (1996) Opioid analgesics and antagonists. In J. G. Hardman et al. (Eds.), The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed. (pp. 521-555). New York: McGraw-Hill.