Products
There are no medicines containing oripavine on the market in many countries. Oripavine is classified as a narcotic and requires an aggravated prescription.
Structure and properties
Oripavine (C18H19NO3, Mr = 297.3 g/mol) is an opioid that is structurally closely related to thebaine (3-demethylthebaine). Oripavine is an alkaloid and a natural constituent of several poppy species, for example, of . It can also be found in the opium poppy.
Effects
Oripavine (ATC N02AE) has analgesic and psychotropic properties. The effects are due to binding to opioid receptors.
Indications for use
Oripavine is not used as a drug. It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of other opioids. Buprenorphine is an oripavine derivative.
Abuse
Oripavine can be used for the illicit synthesis of opioids, which are abused as depressant and euphoric narcotics. For example, it can be converted into thebaine and morphine.
