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Glaucine
Glaucine is an aporphine alkaloid found in several plant species, including members of the Papaveraceae family.1 It is used medically to suppress coughing in some countries1 and has airway-widening and anti-inflammatory effects.1 Its psychoactive effects can include sedation2 and hallucinations characterised by colourful visual images. Reported side effects also include fatigue.1
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Doses are population estimates that vary widely between individuals.
Duration
Subjective Effects
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
Glaucine blocks L-type calcium channels at the benzothiazepine binding site, reducing calcium entry and promoting relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle without affecting intracellular calcium stores. It also selectively inhibits PDE4 noncompetitively in human bronchial tissue and granulocytes3, although its potency is very low. Glaucine antagonizes dopamine receptors, with a preference for D1 and D1-like receptors, and inhibits monoamine oxidase enzymes. Both enantiomers antagonize α1 adrenergic receptors4, while their serotonergic actions differ: (S)-glaucine shows partial agonism at 5-HT2 receptor subtypes4, and (R)-glaucine positively modulates 5-HT2 receptors, including 5-HT2A. Toll-like receptors also contribute to its anti-inflammatory action.
Pharmacokinetics
An oral tablet formulation of glaucine has a reported half-life of 6-8 hours.
Interactions
An unlisted combination is an unknown one, not a safe one. Check a dedicated combination chart before mixing.
Tolerance
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
LowClassified as habit-forming, though detailed characterization of psychological addiction potential is limited.
Psychosis Risk
Produces hallucinogenic effects characterized by bright and colorful visual images. Users may feel detached and perceive themselves as being 'in another world' while remaining oriented to their environment but unable to take clear and adequate action. These dissociative-type symptoms appear to be a common feature of the drug's effects rather than rare adverse reactions.
History & Culture
Glaucine was used medically as a cough suppressant in Iceland, Romania, Bulgaria, Russia, and other eastern European countries. The Bulgarian pharmaceutical company Sopharma marketed it in tablet form.6…
Legality
References
Citations
Article Status
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