Protonitazene is classified as a novel opioid of the benzimidazole sub-class and is structurally dissimilar from fentanyl.
Novel opioids have been reported to cause psychoactive effects similar to heroin, fentanyl, and other opioids. Novel opioids have also caused adverse events, including death, as described in the literature. Structurally similar compounds include etonitazene, metonitazene, and isotonitazene.
Protonitazene (Pronitazene, Propoxynitazene) is a new designer opioid, an analgesic in the benzimidazole class. Protonitazene, isomer of Isotonitazene, has the same effect on the body and has a similar molecular structure. Protonitazene has sedative, analgesic and euphoric effects. Like most opioids, protonitazene can be addictive.
December 7, 2021 – The Drug Enforcement Administration issued a notice of intent to publish a temporary order to schedule seven synthetic benzimidazole-opioid substances. Read the full announcement here.