Dextromoramide, also known as Palfium, is a powerful opioid analgesic drug that is used for the treatment of severe pain. Its spelling is based on the Greek prefix "dextro-" meaning "right-handed" and the morpheme "-moramide" indicating its chemical structure. The word is pronounced /dɛkstrəʊˈmɒrəmaɪd/ and can be broken down into its phonetic symbols: /dɛks/ /trəʊ/ /ˈmɒrəmaɪd/. The correct spelling of this medication is essential to avoid misunderstandings and to ensure safe and effective use in clinical settings.
Dextromoramide, also known as Palfium, is a synthetic opioid analgesic drug that belongs to the morphinan group. It is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. This drug was first synthesized in the 1950s and was widely used for the management of moderate to severe pain until its withdrawal from the market in the 1980s.
Dextromoramide exerts its pharmacological effects primarily by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. By activating these receptors, it produces potent analgesia, which is the main therapeutic property of the drug. Furthermore, dextromoramide is known to induce sedation and euphoria, contributing to its abuse potential.
The administration of dextromoramide is typically through oral or intravenous routes. Its onset of action is relatively rapid, and its effects can last for several hours. It is important to note that this drug can quickly build tolerance and physical dependence, and abrupt discontinuation may result in withdrawal symptoms.
Due to its high abuse potential, dextromoramide is no longer widely used in medical practice. Its potent analgesic effects have been replaced by safer and more effective alternatives. However, it is important to understand the pharmacological properties of this drug, as it can still be encountered in illicit markets and may pose significant health risks if misused.
The word "Dextromoramide" is derived from two components: "dextro-" and "-moramide".
1) "Dextro-" - This prefix comes from the Latin word "dexter", meaning "right" or "on the right side". In chemistry, "dextro-" is used to indicate that a substance has a particular orientation or optical isomer, often referred to as "right-handed" or "+" form.
2) "-Moramide" - This component is derived from the word "moramide", which is a contraction of "morphinan" and "amide". "Morphinan" refers to a type of chemical compound that contains a tricyclic structure similar to morphine, a well-known opioid analgesic. "Amide" indicates a chemical compound that contains the functional group -CONH2.