| Item |
Information |
|
Drug Groups
|
approved |
|
Description
|
A narcotic analgesic that may be habit-forming. It is nearly as effective orally as by injection. [PubChem] |
| Indication |
For the management of moderate to severe pain or as a preoperative medication where an opioid analgesic is appropriate |
| Pharmacology |
Levorphanol is a potent synthetic opioid analgesic indicated for the management of moderate to severe pain or as a preoperative medication where an opioid analgesic is appropriate. Levorphanol is similar to morphine in its actions, however it is up to 8 times more potent than morphine. Levorphanol produces a degree of respiratory depression similar to that produced by morphine at equianalgesic doses, and like many mu-opioid drugs, levorphanol produces euphoria or has a positive effect on mood in many individuals. |
| Toxicity |
LD50=150 mg/kg (orally in rats). Signs of overdose include nausea, emesis, dizziness, respiratory depression, hypotension, urinary retention, cardiac arrhythmias, allergic reactions, skin rash, and uticaria. |
| Affected Organisms |
| • |
Humans and other mammals |
|
| Biotransformation |
Levorphanol is extensively metabolized in the liver and is eliminated as the glucuronide metabolite. |
| Absorption |
Levorphanol is well absorbed after PO administration with peak plasma concentrations occurring approximately 1 hour after dosing. |
| Half Life |
11-16 hours |
| Protein Binding |
40% |
| Distribution |
* 10 to 13 L/kg |
| Clearance |
* 0.78 to 1.1 L/kg/hr |
| External Links |
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