Apocodein Hydrochloride

Apocodein hydrochloride, Apocodeinum hydrochloricum, C₁₈H₁₈O₂N·HCl, is obtained from codeine by the removal of water under the influence of zinc chloride and other substances, similarly to how apomorphine (see) is obtained from morphine; A. h. is a yellowish-gray amorphous powder, easily soluble in water and alcohol, with properties very similar to apomorphine. A. h. does not cause vomiting, acts on the organism similarly to codeine, but less convulsively and more narcotically, and causes a characteristic lowering of blood pressure; it is used as an expectorant in doses of 0.03-0.04; subcutaneously 0.01-0.02. The administration of hydrochloric apocodein is often accompanied by diarrhea, probably due to the paralysis of the fibers of the splanchnic nerves that inhibit peristalsis; it has also been proposed as a sedative and hypnotic in pediatric practice.