Methyldihydromorphine is a semi-synthetic

opioid Opioids are substances that act on opioid receptors to produce morphine-like effects. Medically they are primarily used for pain relief, including anesthesia. Other medical uses include suppression of diarrhea, replacement therapy for opioid us ...

originally developed in Germany in 1936, controlled under both domestic law and UN conventions because of its possible potential for abuse. Methyldihydromorphine is related to

heterocodeine Heterocodeine (6-methoxymorphine) is an opiate derivative, the 6-methyl ether of morphine, and a chemical structure, structural isomer of codeine; it is called "hetero-" because it is the reverse isomer of codeine. Heterocodeine was first synthes ...

and is not a synonym for

dihydrocodeine Dihydrocodeine is a semi- synthetic opioid analgesic prescribed for pain or severe dyspnea, or as an antitussive, either alone or compounded with paracetamol (acetaminophen) (as in co-dydramol) or aspirin. It was developed in Germany in 1908 an ...

or dihydroheterocodeine (6-methoxydihydromorphine). This compound is a derivative of

hydromorphone Hydromorphone, also known as dihydromorphinone, and sold under the brand name Dilaudid among others, is an opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain. Typically, long-term use is only recommended for pain due to cancer. It may be used by mou ...

It has been found to be 33 percent the analgesic potency of morphine with a substantially longer duration of action. So far, little is currently known about this compound. It is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States with an ACSCN of 9304 and a 2013 annual manufacturing quota of 2 grams.

References

4,5-Epoxymorphinans Ethers Mu-opioid receptor agonists Phenols Semisynthetic opioids {{analgesic-stub