Page 148 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)

• It was recommended as a morphine substitute with less respiratory
depressant properties.

• Unfortunately, heroin has proved to be one of the most addictive drugs
known. Dependence on heroin and thus addiction occurs very quickly
because of the stronger lipophilic properties of heroin that permits its
passage of the blood brain barrier and thus the potent effect.

• Heroin is usually injected, sniffed/snorted, or smoked.
Phenanthrene group:
2. Codeine:

• Cough sedative for dry cough (short duration of action).
• Codeine could be misused.
B. Benzyl isoquinoline alkaloids:
Papaverine:
• Non addictive.
• Smooth muscle relaxant (GIT, cough).
• Cerebral and peripheral vasodilators.
C. phenyl alkyl amines:
• Narceine

Tests for identity

Test for meconic acid:

To 1.0 g of the powdered drug add 5 ml of water, shake for 5 min and
filter. To the filtrate add 0.25 ml of ferric chloride solution . A red colour
develops which does not disappear on the addition of 0.5 ml of dilute
hydrochloric acid.

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