A therapeutic agent for sepsis and various symptoms accompanying sepsis (suchas septic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, adultrespiratorydistress syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction) is disclosed. Thetherapeutic agentfor sepsis according to the present invention comprises as an effectiveingredient anopioid .kappa. receptor agonist compound such as (-)-17-(cyclopropylmethyl)-3,14.beta.-dihydroxy-4,5.alpha.-epoxy-6.beta.[N-methyl-trans-3-(3-furyl)acrylamido]morphinan derivative.The opioid .kappa. receptor agonist compound may be administered as it is orin the form of apharmaceutical composition prepared by mixing the compound with a knownpharmaceutically acceptable acid, carrier or vehicle orally or parenterally.
