1Department of Pharmacology, AIMSR, Bathinda, 141 109.
2Department of Biochemistry, AIMSR, Bathinda, 141 109.
3Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, AIMSR, Bathinda, 141 109.
*Corresponding author: Dr Rajiv Mahajan, M.D. (Pharmacology), E-mail: drrajivmahajan01@yahoo.co.in
A large chunk of Indian population still depends upon quacks for fulfilling their health needs. These quacks mostly prescribed unlabelled, non-standardized and open medications in the form of powders, posing health hazards. This study was done to characterize the constituents of these kinds of medications and to ascertain their adverse effects.
Forty samples were collected and studied using battery of preliminary chemical tests and High performance liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS).
Chemicals found ranged from sildenafil, testosterones, betamethasone, theophylline and amphetamines to opioids. Two constituents with structures close to but not completely resembling with sildenafil and methamphetamine were found which might well be labeled as designer drugs.
Finding of narcotics, sildenafil and steroids in high quantities in the drug samples is alarming and may prove critical for the health of the users. Also critical is the fact that designer drugs can get access to the open market through this portal.
Designer drugs in medications prescribed by quacks.
Designer drugs, Sildenafil, Steroids
