Emetine dihydrochloride

Chemical Properties

Emetine dihydrochloride is a colorless, combustible powder which turns yellow on exposure to heat or light.

Uses

Emetine dihydrochloride has been used:

• as a protein synthesis inhibitor to study its effects on human papillomavirus type 8 E2 protein half-life
• to study its effects on the stress granules assembly
• as a chain-elongation inhibitor in puromycin assay for protein synthesis

General Description

Clusters of needles after drying at 221°F. Turns yellow on exposure to light or heat. An injectable form of emetine, an anti amebic. Emetine is the active ingredient of ipecac.

Air & Water Reactions

Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

When heated to decomposition, EMETINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE emits very toxic fumes of chlorides, hydrogen chloride and oxides of nitrogen. Turns yellow on exposure to light or heat [EPA, 1998].

Health Hazard

EMETINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE is highly toxic orally. It is an eye irritant. (Non-Specific -- Emetine) Emetine is classified as extremely toxic. Probable oral lethal dose for humans is 5-50 mg/kg, or between 7 drops and one teaspoon for a 150-lb person.

Fire Hazard

When heated to decomposition, EMETINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE emits very toxic fumes of chlorides, hydrogen chloride and oxides of nitrogen. Turns yellow on exposure to light or heat

Mechanism of action

Epinephrine, a hormone having a benzenoid structure, C9H13O3N, also called adrenaline. It can be obtained by extraction from the adrenal glands of cattle and also prepared synthetically. Its effect on body metabolism is pronounced, causing an increase in blood pressure and rate of heartbeat. Under normal conditions, its rate of release into the system is constant, but emotional stresses, such as fear or anger rapidly increase the output and result in temporarily heightened metabolic activity. Epinephrine is used for the symptomatic treatment of bronchial asthma and reversible bronchospasm associated with chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The drug acts on both alpha and beta receptor sites. Beta stimulation provides bronchodilator action by relaxing bronchial muscle. Alpha stimulation increases vital capacity by reducing congestion of the bronchial mucosa and by constricting pulmonary vessels.
Epinephrine has numerous effects on intermediary metabolism. Among these are promotion of hepatic glycogenolysis, inhibition of hepatic gluconeognesis, and inhibition of insulin release. The drug also promotes the release of free fatty acids from triglyceride stores in adipose tissues. Epinephrine produces numerous cardiovascular effects. Epinephrine is particularly useful in treating conditions of immediate hypersensitivity— interactions between antigen and antibody. These mechanisms cause attacks of anaphylaxis, hay fever, hives and allergic asthma. Anaphylaxis can occur after bee and wasp stings, venoms, etc. Although the mechanism is not fully understood, epinephrine can play a lifesaving role in the treatment of acute systemic anaphylaxis.

Safety Profile

A poison by ingestion, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intravenous routes. Human systemic effects: diarrhea, distorted perceptions, dyspnea, hallucinations, hypermothty, nausea or vomiting. A human eye irritant. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of Cland NOx.

Potential Exposure

Emetine dihydrochloride is an injectable form of emetine; an alkaloid and antiamebic; the active ingredient of Ipecac. Emetine dihydrochloride is used as chemical reagent, organic intermediate; in pharmaceutical R&D

Shipping

UN1544 Alkaloids, solid, n.o.s. or Alkaloid salts, solid, n.o.s. poisonous, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1- Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required. UN2811 Toxic solids, organic, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1- Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required

Purification Methods

It crystallises from MeOH/Et2O, MeOH or Et2O/EtOAc. The free base has m 104-105o, and the (-)-phenylthiourea derivative has m 220-221o (from EtOAc/pet ether, [] D -29.3o (CHCl3)). IR: 3413 (OH) and 2611 (NH+) cm-1; UV at 230nm ( 16 200) and 282nm ( 6 890) max max [Brossi et al. Helv Chim Acta 42 1515 1959, Barash et al. J Chem Soc 3530 1959]. [Beilstein 23 III/IV 3419.]

Incompatibilities

Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, and epoxides. Turns yellow on contact with light or heat