Fentanyl: What Is it and What Is it Made From?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid narcotic. It is similar to other prescription pain medications like oxycodone and morphine but with a much higher potency. As a result, it is highly sought after on the illicit drug market. Unfortunately, it is also highly addictive and has been linked to thousands of overdose deaths in the United States and Canada. So, what is fentanyl made from? Let’s take a look.

Synthetic Fentanyl

Fentanyl is created synthetically in the lab and is not made from any natural sources. The drug is composed of several organic molecules, including an addictive opioid, something called N-Phenyl-4-Piperidinylpropionanilide. This is also known as D-Nal4. This combined with a few other molecules creates a powerful opioid analgesic that is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is also much more quickly absorbed into the bloodstream which is why it can be so deadly and why it has become the opioid of choice among illicit drug dealers.

Prescription Fentanyl

Prescription fentanyl is created using a slightly different mechanism. It is manufactured through a process called salt formation. This is a complex process that starts with the basic fentanyl base molecules that are created in the lab and then combines them with specific salts like sodium citrate, hydrochloride, or citric acid. The resulting product is a much more potent and readily available form of fentanyl that is marketed under various brand names like Sublimaze, Actiq, and Duragesic.

Medical Uses

Fentanyl is an extremely powerful drug and is primarily used in medical settings to provide relief from severe pain. Due to its potency, it must be administered under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional. In most cases, it is prescribed in the form of a transdermal patch that delivers the drug over a long period of time. It can also be prescribed in other forms such as lozenges, tablets, and injectable solutions.

Fentanyl is a powerful drug and has a wide range of medical applications. It can be used to provide pain relief in patients suffering from a variety of illnesses or injuries. It can also be used to treat opioid addiction or to manage pain during procedures like childbirth or surgery. However, it is also highly addictive and can cause serious health consequences when abused. Its abuse has also been linked to a number of fatalities, making it a drug of high concern to healthcare professionals and law enforcement.

Conclusion

So, what is fentanyl made from? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is created in the lab and is composed of several organic molecules, including N-Phenyl-4-Piperidinylpropionanilide, also known as D-Nal4. Prescription fentanyl is created through a process called salt formation. While it can be a powerful tool in medical settings to provide relief from severe pain, it is also highly addictive and has been linked to a number of overdoses and fatalities. As this drug continues to plague society, it is important to understand where it comes from and what it is made from to help prevent further addiction and abuse.