Problems of Forensic Sciences 2007 Vol. 71 (LXXI) 303-312
CONSEQUENCES OF MEDICAL AND NON-MEDICAL USE OF ATROPINE AND FENTANYL ANALOGUES
Agnieszka SKULSKA, Maria KAŁA
Institute of Forensic Research, Krakow, Poland
Streszczenie
Atropine, fentanyl and its analogues are used as medicines and agents that modulate human behaviour. These compounds act quickly and strongly on the human organism. They can be used simultaneously for medical purposes during operations. Atropine, being a muscarine receptor antagonist, exhibits peripherally paralysing (even at low doses) and centrally stimulating (at relatively higher doses) activity. It is used in premedication for anaesthesia, during operations or resuscitation, at very low doses ranging from 0.5 to 1 mg. In ophthalmology, it is administered as eye drops, usually at a concentration of 1%. Compounds from the fentanyl group show exceptionally strong analgesic action due to their strong affinity for µ receptor, and weak affinity for δ and κ receptors. They are widely used in modern anaesthesiology, because doses to achieve rapid onset and cessation of action can be easily calculated. They do not engender any delayed effects, nor do they accumulate, and, furthermore, are quickly metabolised to inactive metabolites. When administered at high doses, fentanyl analogues may cause euphoria, excitation and hallucinations. Therefore they may be used "recreationally". All these compounds have one feature in common – very strong action – and overdosing is frequent.
Słowa kluczowe
Datura; Tropane alkaloids; Fentanyl and its analogues; Abuse.