Not available in the U.S.
Heroin
diamorphine
“Heroine”
What it isDiacetylmorphine, a rapidly penetrating prodrug of morphine; palliative care in the UK, illicit in the US.
Why this oneIts lipid solubility gives faster CNS entry than morphine, which is both the clinical and the addictive property.
What limits itNo US medical use. Overdose deaths are driven by fentanyl adulteration rather than heroin itself.
FDA-approved for
- diamorphine: pain/palliative (UK); illicit in US
Off-label
- severe pain and palliative care as diamorphine (approved in the UK)
⚠ BOXED WARNINGS
- Addiction, abuse and misuse
- Life-threatening respiratory depression
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Defining liabilityRapid respiratory depression, overdose and dependence
Active metabolites
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