Narcotic drugs are classified into two groups.
1 .- Opium and its derivatives, Morphine, Narcotine, Papaverine, and Codeine.
2 .- Their synthetic equivalents, such as Methadone.
Originally it was thought that each of these drugs was not addictive. Subsequently it was shown that all narcotics cause addiction.
(Edited by Dr. María Moya Guirao, MD)
Did you know that…..
Heroin was isolated from opium in 1898 ?
Heroin was first isolated from opium as a non-addictive substitute for Morphine. At first it was thought that Heroin could solve the problem of addiction to Morphine.
About fifteen years later scientists discovered the great addictive power of Heroin.
More recently, something similar happened with the Methadone. In this case also it was believed that it was a drug without the problem of causing addiction. Unfortunately, Methadone is also an addictive drug.
(Edited by Dr. María Moya Guirao, MD)
Heroin was isolated from opium in 1898 ?.
Heroin was first isolated from opium as a non-addictive substitute for morphine, and therefore Heroin will could solve the problem of addiction to Morphine.
Until about fifteen years later scientics did not recognize the great addictive power of Heroin.
More recently, something similar happens with the Methadone, ie in this case was believed that it
was a drug without the problem of addiction. Unfortunately, methadone is also addictive.
Methadone is a synthetic drug used extensively for
The methadone duration of action is long and has excellent activity when given orally.
The adverse effects of methadone are reversible by opioid antagonists (eg, Naloxone).
Nowadays some opioid addicts are treated with methadone in our country, that is because they function better socially than when taking heroin, although controversy surrounds such maintenance therapy.
(Edited by Dr. María Moya Guirao, MD)
Did you know that…..
Naloxone is a pure opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of all other opioid (heroin, methadone, etc. ) ?
Naloxone given IV is the drug of choice in opioid acute intoxication, because it possesses no respiratory depressant properties, and the recovery may occurs immediately following the administration.
(Edited by Dr. María Moya Guirao, MD)
Did you know that…..
Heroin and methadone freely cross the placental barrier, and fetus readily becomes drug-dependent ?
(Edited by María Moya Guirao, M.D.)
Did you know that…..
Naltrexone is a orally bio-available opioid antagonist used in the treatment of opioid addicts ?
Naltrexone has a long duration of action and is generally well tolerated by patients.
Methadone is other drug used for treatment of chronic opioid dependence. Nowadays thousands of opioid addicts are in Methadone maintenance programs in many countries. Methadone is given to addicts orally.
(Edited by Dr. María Moya Guirao, MD)