α-Methylfentanyl

α-Methylfentanyl is a synthetic opioid analgesic and a structural analog of fentanyl. It acts primarily as an agonist at the mu-type opioid receptor, producing potent analgesic and morphine-like euphoric effects. Its potency is reported to be approximately three times that of fentanyl and about 900 times that of morphine, with a rapid onset but relatively short duration of action; however, its respiratory depressant effect may last longer than its analgesic effect. The addition of an alpha-methyl group reduces binding affinity to the target site compared to fentanyl but increases duration by interfering with metabolic breakdown. α-Methylfentanyl has no accepted medical use in the United States and is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and risk for fatal overdose. It has been illicitly sold under names such as "China White" or "synthetic heroin" and used as an adulterant in street heroin[1][2][4][5].

Brand names

China White

Other names

synthetic heroin