furethidine

Furethidine is a synthetic opioid analgesic belonging to the phenylpiperidine class, structurally related to pethidine (meperidine). It acts as an agonist at opioid receptors, primarily targeting the mu-opioid receptor, resulting in analgesic and sedative effects. Furethidine was developed in the mid-20th century but has not been widely used clinically or marketed. Its mechanism of action is similar to other opioids—binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, inhibiting pain transmission and altering pain perception. Like other opioids of its class, it carries risks of respiratory depression and dependence.

Other names

ethyl 1-(2-furyl)-4-phenylisonipecotate