thebaine

Thebaine is a naturally occurring opiate alkaloid found in the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) and related species. Chemically similar to morphine and codeine, it differs by having stimulatory rather than depressant effects. At high doses, it can cause convulsions similar to strychnine poisoning. Thebaine itself is not used therapeutically but serves as a key precursor for the industrial synthesis of several important opioid medications including hydrocodone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, naloxone, naltrexone, buprenorphine and others. Its mechanism of action includes antagonism at glycine and GABA receptors in addition to weak activity at opioid receptors; however its primary pharmacological significance lies in its role as a chemical intermediate rather than as an active pharmaceutical ingredient[3][4][7][10].

Other names

paramorphinecodeine methyl enol ether