Fentanyl

29.01.2025

Fentanyl

Why in the news?   

Recently, the US President Donald Trump said his administration was discussing a 10% punitive duty on Chinese imports as fentanyl is being sent from China to the US via Mexico and Canada.

About Fentanyl:

• It is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (for pain relief) and anesthetic (for surgery).
• It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic.
• Its overdoses can cause stupor, changes in pupil size, clammy skin, cyanosis (blue skin), coma and respiratory failure leading to death.

What are Opioids?

• These are a class of drugs that derive from, or mimic, natural substances found in the opium poppy plant.
• Some common opioids include oxycodone, morphine, codeine, heroin and fentanyl.
• An opioid overdose can be identified by a combination of three signs and symptoms: pinpoint pupils, unconsciousness and difficulties with breathing.
• Their overuse can lead to death due to the effects of opioids on the part of the brain which regulates breathing.

Impacts on human body:

• They activate an area of nerve cells in the brain and body called opioid receptors that block pain signals between the brain and the body.
• They produce a variety of effects, including pain relief and euphoria and are highly addictive.

                                                                  Source: Indian Express

Fentanyl, recently in news, is a/an

A.antibiotic

B.herbicide

C.anti-malarial drug

D.synthetic opioid drug

Answer D