Derivatives were tested to prove the theory that phenolic and non-phenolic opioids bind at different sites of the opiate receptor.

Allylprodine is more potent as an analgesic than similar drugs such as α-prodine, and the 3R,4S-isomer is 23 times more potent than morphine, due to the allyl group binding to an additional amino acid target in the binding site on the μ-opioid receptor.

Allylprodine is regulated in most countries as is morphine, including being in Schedule I of the US Controlled Substances Act 1970 as a Narcotic with ACSCN 9602 and a 2014 annual aggregate manufacturing quota of 2 grams.

[5] Allylprodine is considered a Schedule 9 prohibited substance in Australia under the Poisons Standard (February 2017).

[6] A Schedule 9 substance is a substance which may be abused or misused, the manufacture, possession, sale or use of which should be prohibited by law except when required for medical or scientific research, or for analytical, teaching or training purposes with approval of Commonwealth and/or State or Territory Health Authorities.