Thebaine; Toxic But Used To Manufacture Important Semi-Synthetic Medications

 

Thebaine, also called codeine methyl enol ether, is an opiate alkaloid used as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of other opioids. A minor component of opium, thebaine behaves similarly to both codeine and morphine, with stimulatory rather than depressant action. It is slightly soluble in water and it is said to be poisonous alkaloid. Thebaine is a major alkaloid extracted from the papaver bracteatum and can be industrially converted into several compounds such as buprenorphine, oxymorphone, naloxone, naltrexone, nalbuphine, and oxycodone. Thebaine is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for synthesis of aforementioned compounds.

In the United States, as per Analog Act, Thebaine is listed as Schedule II Drug, while in Canada, under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, it is listed as Schedule 1 Drug substance. Moreover, in the United Kingdom, under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, it is listed as class a drug. Thebaine was first used to treat high blood pressure, but more recently has been studied as a treatment for chronic pain in the form of non-opioid analgesics. It is now available in pharmaceutical preparations in different dosages.

Generally, the higher the dosage the more effective it becomes, but this dose-related variation may depend on many factors, including how a patient reacts to the drug. Thebaine is widely used as a topical analgesic in many types of injections for various diseases, including arthritis and shingles, and it is also used in low doses to prevent migraine headaches. The drug does not possess the tolerance characteristic of opiates, and thus continued use produces less side effects over time. Its actions include sedation, muscle relaxation, and mild euphoria, all of which are useful for reducing the pain felt during painful procedures.

Because of its low potency, it is used to treat mild pain, such as headache. Like morphine, it has an antitussive action and it causes constipation. Thebaine is a white, crystalline, slightly water-soluble, poisonous alkaloid. It is the fourth opioid alkaloid according to its density in the raw Papaver somniferum L. plant.