Posted by chemist on August 21, 2004, at 18:26:54
In reply to Re: A question for Chemist... » chemist, posted by Shawn. T. on August 21, 2004, at 17:42:52
hello there, chemist here...i cannot take the blame for labelling propoxyphene an opiate - and should have noted this - as i simply cribbed that description from my merck index (12th edition, entry 8024) in concert with a perfunctory glance at lexi-comp's ``drug information handbook,'' also the 12th edition, 2004-2005. my PDR (2004) curiously does not contain the wording in the prescribing information from the manufacturer (aaiPharma). thank you for your addendum, and i should note that in addition to agonising the mu opiod receptor, it also agonises the kappa opiod receptor, and, even further, is a potent antagonist of the heteropentameric alpha_{3}beta_{4} subclass of neuronal acetylcholine receptors (this does, of course, apply to the +-alpha form of propoxyphene and, in analogy with similar ineffectiveness in terms of opiod receptors, neither beta form). i downplayed the abuse potential based upon the scheduling and the manufacturer's note that the abuse potential was on par with that of codeine, and i am most aware of abuse of drugs of this class being broadcast in terms of oxycodone/hydrocodone, although i am far from an expert on any of this stuff. and thank you for adding the important addition of concommitant alcohol use, i should have been more thorough. thanks for keeping me on my toes, and the PB world is better off for it....all the best, chemist
> Perhaps you misspoke; propoxyphene is an opioid. It is not an opiate, however. In other words, it is a synthetic mu opioid receptor agonist. Propoxyphene does have a potential for abuse and dependence. An overdose of propoxyphene can be very toxic, especially when combined with certain other drugs such as alcohol.
>
> Shawn
poster:chemist
thread:380358
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