dihydromorphine

Dihydromorphine is a semisynthetic opioid analgesic of the morphinane alkaloid class, structurally related to morphine. It is used for moderate to severe pain relief and has a slightly higher potency than morphine (about 1.2 times). Dihydromorphine acts primarily as an agonist at the μ-opioid receptor, with additional activity at δ-opioid and κ-opioid receptors, leading to its analgesic effects. It is also an active metabolite of dihydrocodeine via CYP2D6 metabolism. Dihydromorphine has a rapid onset and longer duration of action compared to morphine (4–7 hours). In the United States, it is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance due to its high abuse potential and lack of accepted medical use[1][2][4].

Other names

paramorphanparamorfandihydromorfin