Mefentanyl

Mefentanyl Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Mefentanyl is an opioid analgesic and is an analog of the potent opioid, fentanyl. Mefentanyl is one of the most powerful opioid drugs sold illegally and is estimated to be between 400-6000 times more potent than morphine in certain cases. Mefentanyl was initially discovered in 1974 and widespread illegal use of this drug has occurred since this time.

Mefentanyl exhibits similar pharmacodynamic effects to fentanyl but has been proven to be significantly stronger in these effects due to increased binding affinity to the opioid receptor. Fentanyl, administered alone, has a strong affinity for opioid receptors. 3-methylfentanyl has the potential to be extremely hazardous when used without the prescription and supervision of a medical professional. Ingestion of this drug has resulted in numerous deaths among individuals using the drug recreationally.

Trade Name	Mefentanyl
Generic	3-Methylfentanyl
3-Methylfentanyl Other Names	3-MF, mefentanyl
Type
Formula	C₂₃H₃₀N₂O
Weight	Average: 350.4971 Monoisotopic: 350.235813592
Groups	Illicit
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer
Available Country
Last Updated:	September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am

How Mefentanyl works

Opiate receptors are coupled with G-protein receptors and function as both positive and negative regulators of synaptic transmission via G-proteins that activate effector proteins. Binding of the opiate stimulates the exchange of GTP for GDP on the G-protein complex. As the effector system is adenylate cyclase and cAMP located at the inner surface of the plasma membrane, opioids decrease intracellular cAMP by inhibiting adenylate cyclase. Subsequently, the release of nociceptive neurotransmitters such as substance P, GABA, dopamine, acetylcholine and noradrenaline is inhibited. Opioids also inhibit the release of vasopressin, somatostatin, insulin and glucagon. Fentanyl's analgesic activity is, most likely, due to its conversion to morphine. Opioids close N-type voltage-operated calcium channels (OP2-receptor agonist) and open calcium-dependent inwardly rectifying potassium channels (OP3 and OP1 receptor agonist). This results in hyperpolarization and reduced neuronal excitability.