esitaide

Esitaide is a synthetic opioid analgesic and sedative drug that is a prodrug of the opioid levorphanol. It was developed in the 1960s and was marketed under the brand name Esitaide by the pharmaceutical company Endo Pharmaceuticals. Esitaide is a prodrug, meaning it is inactive until it is metabolized in the body. Once metabolized, it is converted into levorphanol, a potent opioid that acts on opioid receptors in the brain and central nervous system to produce its analgesic and sedative effects.

The drug was initially approved for use in the United States in the 1960s for the management of moderate to severe pain. However, its use was later restricted due to concerns about its potential for abuse and dependence. Esitaide is a controlled substance in many countries, including the United States, and its prescription requires a valid medical reason and monitoring by a healthcare provider.

Esitaide is typically administered orally, although it can also be given intravenously or intramuscularly. The onset of action is usually within 30 to 60 minutes, and the duration of action can last for several hours. The drug is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine.

Esitaide is generally well-tolerated, but like all opioids, it can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and drowsiness. More serious side effects can include respiratory depression, seizures, and in rare cases, death. These risks increase with higher doses and prolonged use.

Due to its potential for abuse and the emergence of more effective and safer opioid alternatives, the use of esitaide has declined significantly since its peak in the 1960s. Today, it is rarely prescribed and is primarily of historical interest in the field of pharmacology.