Acetyldihydrocodeine

Acetyldihydrocodeine is an opiate derivative developed as a cough suppressant and analgesic. It is not commonly used, but has activity similar to other opiates. Acetyldihydrocodeine can be described as the 6-acetyl derivative of dihydrocodeine and is metabolised in the liver by demethylation and deacetylation to produce dihydromorphine.

Since acetyldihydrocodeine has higher lipophilicity than codeine and is converted into dihydromorphine rather than morphine, it can be expected to be more potent and longer lasting, and also have higher bioavailability than codeine. Side effects are similar to those of other opiates and include itching, nausea and respiratory depression.