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Key Facts about Fentanyl

28-01-2025

10:31 AM

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1 min read
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Fentanyl Latest News

Recently, the US President Donald Trump said his administration was discussing a 10% punitive duty on Chinese imports as fentanyl is being sent from China to the US via Mexico and Canada.

About Fentanyl

  • It is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic [for pain relief] and anesthetic.
  • It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic.
  • Its overdoses can cause “stupor, changes in pupil size, clammy skin, cyanosis [blue skin], coma, and respiratory failure leading to death”.

What are Opioids?

  • These are a class of drugs that derive from, or mimic, natural substances found in the opium poppy plant.
  • Impacts on the human body: They activate an area of nerve cells in the brain and body called opioid receptors that block pain signals between the brain and the body.
  • They produce a variety of effects, including pain relief and euphoria, and are highly addictive. Some common opioids include oxycodone, morphine, codeine, heroin, and fentanyl.
  • Their overuse can lead to death due to the effects of opioids on the part of the brain which regulates breathing.
  • An opioid overdose can be identified by a combination of three signs and symptoms: pinpoint pupils, unconsciousness and difficulties with breathing.

Fentanyl FAQs

Q1: What are the uses of fentanyl?

Ans: It is used to relieve severe pain during and after surgery.

Q2: What is the systematic name of fentanyl?

Ans: N-(1-Phenethyl-4-piperidyl) propionanilide dihydrogen citrate

Q3: What are the side effects of fentanyl?

Ans: Stomach pain, Feeling dizzy and Headaches

Q4: What class of drug is fentanyl in?

Ans: Opioid analgesics

Source: IE