Fentanyl - What Is It Made Of?

What Is It Made Of?

The chemical structure of fentanyl is C22H28N2O. As its scientific name suggests, it is a complicated compound made of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen atoms. Because fentanyl is not derived from the opium plant, it is called an opioid. This designation means that it works like morphine but is not one of the organic opiates. The drug tests used to find opiates in humans or animals do not work for fentanyl.

A patient is shown getting an epidural, which is a shot of painkiller injected into the bodys spinal fluid. Fentanyl is used in epidurals. Mediscan/Visuals Unlimited.
A patient is shown getting an epidural, which is a shot of painkiller injected into the body's spinal fluid. Fentanyl is used in epidurals. © Mediscan/Visuals Unlimited.

A synthetic painkiller and relaxant, fentanyl is one of the strongest opioids. It is water soluble, meaning that it dissolves in plain water and does not need to be boiled. Medicinal fentanyl is diluted in liquids for injection, in gels for patches, and in hard sugar candy for lozenges. Illegal fentanyl analogs are sold as powders or pills.