STUDIES ON THE FATE OF HEROIN

¹ Biological Chemist, Department of Research, U.S. Public Health Service Hospital, Lexington Kentucky

In alkaline solution (0.5 M Na₂CO₃ at 26°C.) heroin hydrolyzes rapidly. Approximately 58 per cent of the total sample hydrolyzed (calculated as morphine base) in 2 minutes, and 88 per cent in 10 minutes. Calculations made from results of these tests indicate that at least 96 per cent of the sample tested was diacetylmorphine hydrochloride.

As to the fate of heroin in the human body, evidence is presented indicating that all of the drug is hydrolyzed completely. It is not possible to extract heroin hydrochloride added to urine without causing some hydrolysis.

Physical dependence on morphine was satisfied by heroin hydrochloride. The ratio of physical dependence satisfying doses of morphine sulfate and heroin hydrochloride was 2 to 1. On this dosage ratio approximately 7 per cent of the administered drugs were excreted in free form and 50 per cent in bound form.