Ephedrine restriction

METHOD 2 Speed chemists have used hydroiodic acid (HI) for years to reduce ephedrine to meth. So when the government placed HI on the restricted list, speed chemists took to making the HI themselves. One of the ways they used was to make Hi in DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide, a common solvent) by reacting Nal or Kl with sulfuric acid. This a standard way to make both HBr or Hi in water (see the Chemicals section of this book) except these speed chemists were using the non-aqueous solvent DMSO instead of water. 

While the seizures of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are mainly restricted to countries where the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine takes place, the identification of suspicious orders in international trade provides valuable information on the methods and routes used by traffickers to divert the substances they require. Some of the routes uncovered during 2004 are shown in figure III below. 

Ephedrine has not been extensively studied in humans despite its long history of use. Its ability to activate 3 receptors probably accounted for its earlier use in asthma. Because it gains access to the central nervous system, it is a mild stimulant. Ingestion of ephedrine alkaloids contained in ma huang has raised important safety concerns. Pseudoephedrine, one of four ephedrine enantiomers, has been available over the counter as a component of many decongestant mixtures. However, the use of pseudoephedrine as a precursor in the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine has led to restrictions on its sale. 

Since 1997, a number of groups have lined up on each side of the ephedra battle. A non-profit group called Halt Ephedrine Abuse Today has spoken out about the dangers of ephedra. On the other side of the battle is the Ephedra Education Council, a group backed and supported by the herbal products industry and supplement manufacturers. Many of the companies that sell products containing ephedra do not want any further restrictions on the products. 

The last part of the statement is very true. This act is almost entirely geared towards the eradication of large purchases of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine. Lots of registration requirements for businesses that sell these precursors and new, very restrictive threshold limits on purchases. To claiify this Act in these matters the DEA posted a FAQ. Here are some of the most pertinent questions and answers regarding the sales of ephedrine products to citizens ... 

The next step up from retail is the wholesaler or distributor (i.e., anyone selling ephedrine products in quantities larger than 24 g). These businesses are registered with the DEA in order to sell these amounts. And different, more restrictive rules apply to them ... 

With the ban of ephedra-containing dietary supplements and severe restrictions in access to ephedrine-containing OTC products, the landscape of clinical use associated with agents of this nature has been dramatically changed forever. Interest in further clinical study will likely be severely limited. 

Astrup A, Breum L, Toubro S, Hein P, Quaade F. The effect and safety of an ephedrine/caffeine compound compared to ephedrine, caffeine and placebo in obese subjects on an energy restricted diet a double blind trial. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1992 16(4) 269-277. 

Of course, this restriction has caused some consternation among herbalists or Chinese practitioners who still believe that within the context of traditional use, Ma Huang has its merits. In Canada, the ephedrine alkaloid is limited to levels well below the excesses seen in U.S. products, a policy that allows the continued sale of traditional Chinese Ephedra products. Canada also allows Ephedra to be included in products used for nasal congestion in the following small doses 8 mg/dose or 32 mg/day of ephedrine and 400 mg/ dose or 1600 mg/day. However, Health Canada has issued several warnings regarding the illegal sale of Ephedra and the potential risks that are involved, particularly when it is combined with caffeine or other stimulants. 

Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005, which went into effect on 9 March 2006, imposes nationwide minimum requirements on the sale of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. The new legislation does not preempt laws that restrict pseudoephedrine, which many states have already adopted. The Act, inter alia, establishes federal restrictions on retail sales by requiring ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products to be kept behind the counter or in a locked case toughens penalties against methamphetamine traffickers holds importers and exporters of precursor chemicals accountable if their product is diverted for illicit use and imposes on manufacturers quotas for the production and import of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. 

Mexico significantly strengthened chemical controls in 2005 and in 2006. Officials from the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) of Mexico started to perform without notice inspections at the premises of chemical importers. COFEPRIS has also installed new computer equipment at 17 ports of entry to record the importation of precursor chemicals. New laws and regulations have been passed in Mexico to restrict the import of precursors, in particular ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, and regulate their sale by ... 

Enantioselective alkylations have been achieved using modified MCM-41 materials.135 Mesoporous templated MCM-41s with covalently linked chiral ephedrine are active heterogeneous chiral auxiliaries in the enantioslective alkylation of benzaldehyde by diethylzinc. Lower rates, selectivities and enantioselectivities are obtained under heterogeneous conditions compared to homogeneous catalysis. This can be explained either by the participation of the uncovered surface to the racemic alkyl transfer or by a restricted accessibility to the catalytic sites in the heterogeneous reactions. 

AMPHETAMINE AND RELATED AGENTS Subjective effects similar to those of cocaine are produced by amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, phenmetrarine, methylphenidate, and diethylpropion. Amphetamines increase synaptic DA primarily by stimulating presynaptic release rather than by blockade of reuptake. Intravenous or smoked methamphetamine produces an abuse/dependence syndrome similar to that of cocaine, although chnical deterioration may progress more rapidly and methamphetamine is thought to be neurotoxic in DA and 5-HT neurons. Methamphetamine can be produced in small, clandestine laboratories starting with ephedrine, and access to this previously widely available nonprescription stimulant has been restricted. 

Uses Chronic metabolic acidosis, alkahnize urine dissolve uric acid cysteine stones Action Urinary alkahnizer Dose Adults. 2-6 tsp (10-30 mL) diluted in 1-3 oz H2O pc hs Peds. 1-3 tsp (5-15 mL) diluted in 1-3 oz H2O pc hs best after meals Caution [C, -h] Contra Al-based antacids severe renal impair or Na restricted diets Disp Liq SE Tetany, metabolic alkalosis, T GI upset avoid use of multiple 50-mL amps can cause T NaMiyperosmolality Interactions T Effects OF amphetamines, ephedrine, flecainide, pseudoephedrine, quinidine 4 effects OF barbitm ates, chlorpropamide, Li, salicylates EMS Monitor ECG for hyperkalemia (peaked T waves) OD May cause convulsions, muscle twitching, tetany, and Szs symptomatic and supportive... 

Pseudoephedrine, phenylpropronolamine, and ephedrine were reclassified as Schedule Listed Chemicals. The act established a Federal per-transaction sales limit which was reduced to 3.6 g. All regulated drug products must be stored behind the counter or in a locked cabinet. A written log of purchases must be maintained. Monthly sales are restricted to no more than 9 g to a single purchaser, including Internet purchases, with submission of certification of compliance by retailers. 

Note that, phenylpropanolamine is no longer available in the US and UK and its use has been restricted in many other countries. In addition, because of the associated health risks, the FDA bans combinations of caffeine with ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, and also bans herbal products containing ephedra. 

Indirecdy acting sympathomimetics release noradrenaline from the nerve endings and/or inhibit its re-uptake. Thereby, the noradrenaline concentration in the synaptic cleft is raised, and the sympathetic tone therefore increased. After repeated administration of higher doses, this effect is however restricted by the limited supply of newly synthesised noradrenaline. Typical representatives are ephedrine and the amphetamines (Fig. 6.39). The high polarity of catecholamines, associated with the two aromatic hydroxyl-groups, necessitates intravenous administration, and confines their activity to the periphery. Ephedrine, amphetamine, and as well methamphetamine exhibit in addition to their peripheral sympathomimetic effect also a central stimulating activity. 

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