Substitution of deuterium for the N-methyl hydrogens of morphine produced a significant reduction in the potency and lethality of morphine in mice regardless of the route of administration. There was no effect on the time of onset, maximal effect, or duration of action. N-demethylation by rat liver microsomal enzymes was characterized by a smaller reaction rate constant, a higher energy of activation, and a larger Michaelis constant with respect to the deuterated morphine. These findings indicated that deuteration of the N-methyl group of morphine not only caused reduction in potency, but also a reduction in the rate of oxidative N-demethylation, and a distinct weakening of the binding to the enzyme active centers.

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The metabolism of lorazepam by man and four other species is reviewed. Lorazepam and its metabolites in blood, urine and faeces were identified by thin-layer and gas chromatography and by mass spectrometry. The principal metabolite in man, dog, pig and cat is the glucuronide, but the rat produces other metabolites after small doses of lorazepam, and significant amounts of the glucuronide only after high doses. Since all metabolites, except the glucuronide, occur in small quantities only in man, most studies in man have been confined to an estimation of gree and conjugated lorazepam. Blood concentrations of unconjugated lorazepam peak at 1-4 h, significant concentrations persisting for 24 h and decreasing slowly over the next 24 h. About 95% of a dose of lorazepam was accounted for in urine and faeces over a period of 5 days; 74.5% was excreted in the urine as lorazepam glucuronide and 13.5% as minor metabolites. The excretory half-life was 12 h. The blood concentrations and excretion rates are compatible with the clinical effects of lorazepam.