Formula: C₂₀H₂₁NO₄.HCL

CAS Number: 61-25-6

MOA: BP

MOL.WEIGHT: 375.8 g/mol

An alkaloid found in opium but not closely related to the other opium alkaloids in its structure or pharmacological actions. It is a direct-acting smooth muscle relaxant used in the treatment of impotence and as a vasodilator, especially for cerebral vasodilation. The mechanism of its pharmacological actions is not clear, but it apparently can inhibit phosphodiesterases and it may have direct actions on calcium channels.