A spirohydantoin derivative of oxymorphone: an agonist with delayed antagonist activity.

We have synthesized a novel derivative of oxymorphone, oxymorphone-6 alpha-spirohydantoin. The derivative was less toxic in mice than the parent compound and it showed a significant anticonvulsive activity. It exerted agonist effects in doses lower than those of morphine and its agonist effects were longer lasting. Furthermore, both oxymorphone and the 6-spirohydantoin showed definite antagonist properties 48 hr later: they prevented analgesic effects of morphine. The antagonist effects of the derivative persisted for a week.