Noscapine

Encyclopedia : N : NO : NOS : Noscapine

Noscapine (also known as Narcotine) is an opioid agonist without significant analgesic properties [link]. It is grouped as part of the benzylisoquinolines, of which papaverine is also included. This agent is primarily used for its antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects. It has also been shown to have anticancer activity ([PDF file]).

Mechanism of action

Noscapine's antitussive effects appear to be primarily mediated by its sigma receptor agonist activity. Evidence for this mechanism is suggested by experimental evidence in rats. Pretreatment with rimcazole,a sigma specific antagonist, causes a dose-dependent reduction in antitussive activity of noscapine [link].

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