Hydromorphinol

Hydromorphinol (14-Hydroxydihydromorphine) is an opiate analogue that is an derivative of morphine, where the 14-position has been hydroxylated and the 7,8- double bond saturated. It has similar effects to morphine such as sedation, analgesia and respiratory depression, but is more potent and has a steeper dose-response curve and longer half-life. It is used in medicine as the bitartrate salt (free base conversion ratio 0.643, molecular weight 471.5) and hydrochloride (free base conversion ratio 0.770, molecular weight 393.9) It is distributed under the trade name Numorphan in some countries, whereas this trade name is used for oxymorphone much more commonly. It is controlled under the Single Convention On Narcotic Drugs and the laws governing habit-forming substances in each country, such as the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 of the United States (Schedule I/Narcotic), the Betäubungsmittelgesetz (BtMG) of Germany.