Agonistic activity of fentanyl analogs and their metabolites on opioid receptors

ConclusionsMost of the metabolic reactions drastically diminish the agonistic activity of fentanyl analogs; exceptionally, β-hydroxylation maintains the activity at a level nearly equal to that of the parent drugs. However, β-hydroxy metabolites should contribute less to the poisoning caused by the ingestion of fentanyl analogs.
Source: Forensic Toxicology - Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research