Heroin
Heroin is an illicit opioid narcotic that is not a licensed medication in most jurisdictions. It produces powerful analgesic and euphoric effects by binding to mu-opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system.
Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive opioid drug with no legitimate medical applications in most countries.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N07BC06
- RxNorm
- 3304
- Generic
- Heroin
- Class
- atc-n07
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid completely
avoid use during pregnancy - heroin crosses placenta and can cause neonatal abstinence syndrome
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid completely
avoid use in third trimester due to high risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome at birth
intensive fetal monitoring, prepare for neonatal withdrawal treatment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid completely
do not breastfeed while using heroin - substance passes into breast milk
infant monitoring for sedation and respiratory depression
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
adolescentsnot applicable - no legitimate pediatric use
heroin has no accepted medical use in pediatric populations and is illegal
n/a
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
childrennot applicable - no medical use
heroin has no legitimate medical use in children
n/a
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyavoid completely
avoid use in elderly due to increased sensitivity, fall risk, and respiratory depression
monitor for sedation, confusion, respiratory status
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentavoid completely
avoid in patients with renal impairment due to metabolite accumulation
renal function monitoring if exposure occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentavoid completely
avoid in hepatic impairment due to altered metabolism
liver function monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
alcohol_users
concurrent useavoid completely
concurrent alcohol and heroin use is extremely dangerous and can be fatal
respiratory monitoring, cardiac monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of heroin/diacetylmorphine
US legal classification
Federal legal classification indicating no accepted medical use in US
Primary mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism of action
Medical use in treatment
Current medical prescribing status
Heroin has no approved medical indications. Historically, it was used as a pain reliever in the early 20th century but has since been classified as an illegal Schedule I controlled substance in most countries due to its high potential for abuse and dependence.
Heroin is converted to morphine in the brain and binds to mu-opioid receptors, producing profound analgesia, sedation, and euphoria. It also causes respiratory depression, miosis (pupil constriction), and physical dependence.
Heroin use carries severe risks including respiratory depression, overdose (which can be fatal), infectious diseases from needle sharing, and severe physical and psychological dependence. Treatment for heroin addiction typically involves opioid agonist therapies such as methadone or buprenorphine. This substance is illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess in most countries worldwide.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy