Sotoline

Sotoline is a synthetic opioid analgesic developed by the German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim. It is a derivative of thebaine, a natural alkaloid found in the opium poppy. Sotoline is classified as a mu-opioid receptor agonist, which means it binds to and activates the mu-opioid receptors in the brain, producing analgesic effects.

Sotoline was first synthesized in the 1960s and has been studied for its potential use in the treatment of pain. It has been shown to have a high affinity for mu-opioid receptors and a long duration of action, making it a potent analgesic. However, sotoline also has a high potential for abuse and dependence, similar to other opioids.

Due to its high abuse potential, sotoline is not approved for use in many countries, including the United States. In Germany, where it was developed, sotoline is available by prescription for the treatment of severe pain, but its use is tightly controlled and monitored.

Sotoline is typically administered orally or intravenously. Its effects can last for several hours, making it useful for the management of chronic pain. However, like other opioids, sotoline can cause side effects such as nausea, constipation, and respiratory depression.

Research on sotoline continues, with studies exploring its potential for use in the treatment of other conditions, such as cancer pain and opioid-induced hyperalgesia. However, the focus remains on balancing its analgesic benefits with the risks associated with its abuse potential.