Noscapine (also known as Narcotine) is an opioid agonist without significant analgesic properties It is grouped as part of the benzylisoquinolines, of which papaverine is also included. This agent is primarily used for its antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects. It has also been shown to have anticancer activity ([http://www.ott.emory.edu/share/technologies/descriptions/97012.pdf PDF file).

Mechanism of action

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Noscapine's antitussive effects appear to be primarily mediated by its sigma receptor agonist activity. Evidence for this mechanism is suggested by experimental evidence in rats. Pretreatment with rimcazole,a sigma specific antagonist, causes a dose-dependent reduction in antitussive activity of noscapine ^*.

Sigma agonists | Antitussives

Noscapine | Noscapine | Noskapin