Levallorphanum [Inn-Latin]: Full Drug Profile

Levallorphanum [Inn-Latin] - General Information

An opioid antagonist with properties similar to those of naloxone; in addition it also possesses some agonist properties. It should be used cautiously; levallorphan reverses severe opioid-induced respiratory depression but may exacerbate respiratory depression such as that induced by alcohol or other non-opioid central depressants. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p683)

Pharmacology of Levallorphanum [Inn-Latin]

Levallorphanum [Inn-Latin], an opioid antagonist similar to naloxone, is used to treat drug overdoses. Levallorphanum [Inn-Latin] differs from naloxone in that it also possesses some agonist properties. It is an analogue of levelorphanol that counteracts the actions of narcotic analgesics such as morphine. It is used especially in the treatment of respiratory depression due to narcotic overdoses. Levallorphanum [Inn-Latin] prevents or reverses the effects of opioids including respiratory depression, sedation and hypotension. Also, it can reverse the psychotomimetic and dysphoric effects of agonist-antagonists such as pentazocine.

Levallorphanum [Inn-Latin] for patients

Levallorphanum [Inn-Latin] Interactions

Levallorphanum [Inn-Latin] Contraindications

Levallorphan is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to it.

Additional information about Levallorphanum [Inn-Latin]

Levallorphanum [Inn-Latin] Indication

For the complete or partial reversal of narcotic depression, including respiratory depression, induced by opioids.

Mechanism Of Action

Levallorphanum [Inn-Latin] antagonizes opioid effects by competing for the same receptor sites. It binds to the opioid mu receptor and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha2/alpha3.

Generic Name

Levallorphan

Drug Category

Analgesic Antagonists; Morphine Antidotes; Antinarcotic Agents; Narcotic Antagonists

Drug Type

Small Molecule; Approved

Other Brand Names containing Levallorphan

Levallofano [Dcit]; Levallorphane [Inn-French]; Levallorphanum [Inn-Latin]; Levalorfano [Inn-Spanish]; Lorfan; Naloxiphan;

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed.

Toxicity (Overdose)

Oral, rat LD₅₀: 109±4 mg/kg

Biotransformation

Hepatic.

Half Life

1 hour

Chemical IUPAC Name

adamantan-1-amine

Chemical Formula

C19H25NO

Organisms Affected

Humans and other mammals