Ethylmorphine

3-Ethylmorphine

Codethyline, Dionine, Ethyl morphine

Psychoactive Class

Chemical Class

Ethylmorphine is a semi-synthetic opioid of the morphinan class¹, first created by Merck in 1884 as a weaker alternative to morphine. Its potency is generally placed below morphine and somewhat above codeine, a closely related compound. Today, ethylmorphine is most commonly encountered as an antitussive ingredient² in cough syrup preparations³ and is also used in ophthalmic preparations² to treat eye inflammations.

Dosage & Duration

Dosage

Threshold~20 mg

Light40-50 mg

Moderate50-100 mg

Strong100-200 mg

Heavy200+ mg

Duration

Onset15-30 minutes

Peak2-3 hours

After Effects1-6 hours

Total4-5 hours

Subjective Effects

Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.

Physical

The cognitive effects of ethylmorphine can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. The general head space of codeine is described by many as one of intense euphoria, relaxation, anxiety suppression and pain relief.

Itchiness Respiratory depression Constipation Cough suppression Difficulty urinating Nausea Stomach cramps Sedation Pupil constriction Salivation

Cognitive

The physical effects of ethylmorphine can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage.

Anxiety suppression Compulsive redosing

Forked from Subjective Effect Documentation

by Josie KinsSeptember 2015.

Reagent Testing

Loading reagent data

Expected colorimetric results are being prepared.

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Ethylmorphine produces its effects primarily through activation of μ-opioid receptors, an action mediated largely by its active metabolites, particularly morphine.⁴⁵ The substance has been described as less potent than morphine but slightly more potent than codeine.

Pharmacokinetics

Ethylmorphine functions as a prodrug that requires metabolic conversion to generate its active form, most notably morphine.⁶⁵ As with codeine, there is an upper limit on how much of the parent compound can be converted into its active metabolite.

Interactions

Dangerous

Highest risk

These combinations are considered extremely harmful and should always be avoided. Reactions to these drugs taken in combination are highly unpredictable and have a potential to cause death.

AlcoholBenzodiazepinesCocaineDXMGHB/GBLKetamineMXEPregabalinTramadol

Unsafe

Avoid

There is considerable risk of physical harm when taking these combinations, they should be avoided where possible.

Diphenhydramine

Caution

Use caution

These combinations are not usually physically harmful, but may produce undesirable effects, such as physical discomfort or overstimulation. Extreme use may cause physical health issues. Synergistic effects may be unpredictable. Care should be taken when choosing to use this combination.

AmphetaminesMAOIsMephedroneNitrous oxidePCP

TripSit

Tolerance

Full Tolerance

Ethylmorphine tolerance can develop for many effects after ongoing repeated use. Different effects show different timelines, and tolerance to constipation tends to emerge more slowly than tolerance to other opioid effects.

Baseline Reset

1-2 weeks

Half Tolerance

3-7 days

Cross Tolerance

All other opioids

Harm Potential

Addiction & Dependence

Psychological

High

Ethylmorphine has a high potential for abuse and can cause psychological dependence with chronic use.⁷ Compulsive redosing is commonly reported, and cravings develop once addiction forms.⁷

Physical

High

Physical dependence develops with chronic use, with withdrawal symptoms occurring upon sudden cessation.⁸ Chemical dependence may develop particularly at higher doses.⁷

Toxicity

Central Nervous System

Long-term chronic use may result in cognitive and affective changes including memory loss and apathy.

History & Culture

Ethylmorphine is a semi-synthetic opioid first synthesized by the pharmaceutical company Merck in 1884. It was developed as a weaker alternative to morphine for therapeutic applications.…

Legality

International

Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961 (Schedule III)

By Country

United StatesSchedule II/III/V (varies by preparation)

Pure ethylmorphine is Schedule II.¹⁶ Combination products containing no more than 3mg/mL (or 15mg per dosage unit with non-narcotic ingredients) are Schedule III.¹⁷ Preparations with 1mg/mL or less are Schedule V.¹⁸ Despite this scheduling structure paralleling codeine, no ethylmorphine preparations are currently marketed for medical use.

GermanyAnlage II BtMG

Controlled under Anlage II of the Betäubungsmittelgesetz.¹¹ Manufacturing, importing, possessing, selling, or transferring without license is prohibited. An exception exists for preparations containing up to 2.5% or 100mg per unit, which may be prescribed using narcotic prescription forms.¹¹

RussiaSchedule II

Classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under Russian drug control legislation.

SwitzerlandVerzeichnis A (controlled)

Specifically listed as a controlled substance under Verzeichnis A.¹⁴ Medical use is permitted. Certain preparations fall under Verzeichnis C, with some exceptions.¹⁴

FranceAvailable over-the-counter (in certain preparations)

Preparations combining ethylmorphine (10mg) with codeine (10mg), such as Tussipax tablets, are reportedly available without prescription.

NorwayPrescription Class B

Cough syrups containing ethylmorphine (such as Cosylan at 1.7mg/mL³ and Solvipect comp. at 2.5mg/mL¹²) are available by prescription and commonly used for dry cough treatment.

SwedenPrescription drug

Available as a prescription medication. Cough preparations containing ethylmorphine (e.g., Cocillana-Etyfin at 2.5mg/mL¹³ and Lepheton combination products) require a prescription.¹³

United KingdomClass B

Controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 as a Class B substance, the same classification as codeine.¹⁵ However, unlike codeine, no legal pharmaceutical preparations containing ethylmorphine are currently available.

References

Source Pages

Citations

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Ethylmorphine

3-Ethylmorphine

Codethyline, Dionine, Ethyl morphine

Psychoactive Class

Opioid Depressant

Chemical Class

Morphinan (substituted)