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There are two isomers of prodine, Alphaprodine and Betaprodine.[1] Betaprodine is some 5x more
potent than alphaprodine,[2] but is metabolised more rapidly, and only alphaprodine was
developed for medicinal use. It has similar activity to pethidine, but with a faster onset of action
and shorter duration.[3]
As with other opiates, heroin is used both as a pain-killer and a recreational drug.
One of the most common methods of heroin use is via intravenous injection. When taken orally,
heroin undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism via deacetylation, making it a prodrug for the
systemic delivery of morphine.[1] When the drug is injected, however, it avoids this first-pass
effect, very rapidly crossing the blood-brain barrier due to the presence of the acetyl groups,
which render it much more lipid-soluble than morphine itself.[2] Once in the brain, it is
deacetylated into 3- and 6-monoacetylmorphineand morphine, which bind to μ-opioid
receptors resulting in intense euphoria with the feeling centered in the gut.

Overview
Prodine (Prisilidine, Nisentil) is an opioid analgesic that is
an analogue of pethidine (meperidine).
There are two isomers of prodine, Alphaprodine and Betaprodine.[1] Betaprodine is some 5x more
potent than alphaprodine,[2] but is metabolised more rapidly, and only alphaprodine was
developed for medicinal use. It has similar activity to pethidine, but with a faster onset of action
and shorter duration.[3]

Alphaprodine was sold under several brand names, mainly Nisentil and Prisilidine. It was mainly
used for pain relief in childbirth[4] and dentistry,[5] as well as for minor surgical procedures.
Prodine has similar effects to other opioids, and produces analgesia, sedation and euphoria.
Side effects can include itching, nausea and potentially serious respiratory depressionwhich can
be life-threatening. Respiratory depression can be a problem with alphaprodine even at normal
therapeutic doses.[6]