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Ethylmorphine (Dionine) is a mild opioid closely related to codeine, an ethyl ether of morphine used historically as a cough suppressant and painkiller. It is a relatively weak mu-opioid agonist, and part of its effect comes from being metabolized toward morphine in the body. Like all opioids it carries risks of sedation, respiratory depression and dependence; naloxone reverses it.
- Cough suppression
- Mild pain relief
- Mild sedation
- Respiratory depression at higher doses
- Constipation and nausea
- Dependence with regular use
Mechanism
Ethylmorphine is an ethyl ether of morphine and behaves much like codeine: it is a relatively weak at the mu-opioid receptor and is partly metabolized in the liver toward morphine (and morphine-like products), which contributes to its analgesic and cough-suppressing effects. As with codeine, this metabolism means individual response can vary. It is reversible by the mu-opioid naloxone.
receptor fingerprint
Mu-opioid receptorAgonist
Safetyrisks and cautions, not medical advice
Although it is a milder opioid, ethylmorphine still causes sedation and can depress breathing, especially in higher amounts or combined with other depressants such as alcohol and benzodiazepines, which can be fatal. Because it is metabolized toward morphine, people who process it quickly can get an unexpectedly strong effect. Regular use leads to tolerance and dependence. Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose. Not medical advice.
Subjective profileweighing the evidence above
A mild opioid with the entire opioid package attached, including respiratory depression, tolerance and dependence, and it converts toward morphine at a rate that varies a lot between people. Prescription territory where it is still sold, and not something to treat casually for a cough.
Resources
No suppliers are provided for compounds like this. This entry is here for reference.
Research
- 1.Biotransformation and pharmacokinetics of ethylmorphine after a single oral dose
- 2.Mu receptor binding of some commonly used opioids and their metabolites
2 listed here; entry last updated August 2026
Reviews
My notesprivate to this device
FAQ
How is ethylmorphine related to codeine?
It is a close cousin; codeine is the methyl ether of morphine and ethylmorphine is the ethyl ether, and both are weak opioids partly converted toward morphine in the body.
What was it used for?
Historically as a cough suppressant and mild painkiller, similar to codeine.
Is it dangerous?
It is milder than strong opioids, but it can still depress breathing, especially with alcohol or other depressants, and it can cause dependence.
Adverse effects
- Respiratory depression at higher doses
- Constipation and nausea
- Dependence with regular use
Notes and cautions
- Variable effect from metabolism