Zipeprol Explained

Zipeprol is a centrally acting cough suppressant developed in France in the 1970s.^[1] It is not a morphinan derivative (in contrast to codeine and dextromethorphan). Zipeprol acts as a local anaesthetic and has mucolytic, antihistamine and anticholinergic properties.^[2] It is sold with several brand names such as Zinolta and Respilene. It is not available in the United States or Canada and has been discontinued in Europe. It is still available in some countries in Asia and South America.

Zipeprol has been misused in Korea, mainly for the hallucinations it produces. Such use has become an issue due to the seizures and various neurological side effects it causes at high dosages.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Patent US . 3718650 . 1970-03-02 . 1973-02-27 . Mauvernay RY . New Derivatives of Substituted Piperazines.
2. Rispat G, Burgi H, Cosnier D, Duchêne-Marullaz P, Streichenberger G . General pharmacological properties of a new non-opiate antitussive: zipeprol (3024 CERM). I. Action on respiratory function and acute toxicity . Arzneimittel-Forschung . 26 . 4 . 523–30 . April 1976 . 8057 .
3. Chung H, Park M, Hahn E, Choi H, Choi H, Lim M . Recent trends of drug abuse and drug-associated deaths in Korea . Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences . 1025 . 1 . 458–64 . October 2004 . 15542749 . 10.1196/annals.1316.056 . 2004NYASA1025..458C . 10987790 .