Mephedrone

Not to be confused with methedrine, methedrone, mephedrene, methadone, methylone, methcathinone, or ephedrone.

Mephedrone
The two enantiomers of mephedrone: The potentially more potent S form is above the R form.
Clinical data
Other names4-methyl-N-methylcathinone; 2-methylamino-1-p-tolylpropan-1-one[1]
Routes of
administration		Oral, insufflation, IV, rectal
ATC code
  • none
Legal status
Legal status
Identifiers
  • (RS)-2-Methylamino-1-(4-methylphenyl)propan-1-one[4]: 5 
CAS Number
PubChem CID
ChemSpider
UNII
KEGG
ChEBI
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
ECHA InfoCard100.189.720 Edit this at Wikidata
Chemical and physical data
FormulaC11H15NO
Molar mass177.247 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)
  • CC1=CC=C(C(C(NC)C)=O)C=C1
  • InChI=1S/C11H15NO/c1-8-4-6-10(7-5-8)11(13)9(2)12-3/h4-7,9,12H,1-3H3 checkY
  • Key:YELGFTGWJGBAQU-UHFFFAOYSA-N checkY
 ☒NcheckY (what is this?)  (verify)

Mephedrone, also known as 4-methylmethcathinone, 4-MMC, and 4-methylephedrone, is a synthetic stimulant drug belonging to the amphetamine and cathinone classes. It is commonly referred to by slang names such as drone,[5] M-CAT,[6] White Magic,[7] meow meow, and bubble.[8] Chemically, it is similar to the cathinone compounds found in the Khat plant, native to eastern Africa.[5][9]

Mephedrone is typically found in tablet or crystal form,[10] and users may swallow, snort, or inject it. Its effects are similar to those of MDMA, amphetamines, and cocaine, producing euphoria and increased sociability. Mephedrone is rapidly absorbed, with a half-life of about 2 hours, and is primarily metabolized by CYP2D6 enzymes. Its effects are dose-dependent. Side effects can include cardiovascular changes[4]: 13  and anxiety.[11][12]

Mephedrone was first synthesised in 1929 but remained relatively obscure until it was rediscovered around 1999–2000. At that time, it was legal to produce and possess in many countries. By 2000, mephedrone was available for sale on the internet. By 2008, law enforcement agencies had become aware of the substance, and by 2010, it had been reported in most European countries, with significant prevalence in the United Kingdom. Mephedrone was first made illegal in Israel in 2008, followed by Sweden later that year. By 2010, many European countries had banned the substance, and in December of that year, the European Union ruled it illegal. In Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, it is considered an analog of other illegal drugs and can be controlled under laws similar to the US Federal Analog Act. In September 2011, the US temporarily classified mephedrone as a Schedule I drug, with the classification taking effect in October 2011. This was made permanent in July 2012 with the passage of the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act (SDAPA).[13]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference meyer2009 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Anvisa (24 July 2023). "RDC Nº 804 - Listas de Substâncias Entorpecentes, Psicotrópicas, Precursoras e Outras sob Controle Especial" [Collegiate Board Resolution No. 804 - Lists of Narcotic, Psychotropic, Precursor, and Other Substances under Special Control] (in Brazilian Portuguese). Diário Oficial da União (published 25 July 2023). Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  3. ^ "Substance Details 4-Methylmethcathinone". Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  4. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference emcdda was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Cumming was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference bbc0803 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Kihara R, Day E (May 2014). "Transient psychotic episodes following recreational use of NRG-3". Primary. Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry. 18 (3): 14–18. doi:10.1002/pnp.331. S2CID 70766780.
  8. ^ Schifano F, Albanese A, Fergus S, Stair JL, Deluca P, Corazza O, et al. (April 2011). "Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone; 'meow meow'): chemical, pharmacological and clinical issues" (PDF). Review. Psychopharmacology. 214 (3): 593–602. doi:10.1007/s00213-010-2070-x. hdl:2299/16594. PMID 21072502. S2CID 10529974.
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference acmdreport was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ "Mephedrone". Alcohol and Drug Foundation. 10 November 2021. Archived from the original on 18 April 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
  11. ^ Cite error: The named reference Papaseit_2017 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  12. ^ White CM (November 2016). "Mephedrone and 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV): Synthetic Cathinones With Serious Health Implications". Review. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 56 (11): 1319–1325. doi:10.1002/jcph.742. PMID 27029951.
  13. ^ "Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act (SDAPA)" (PDF). United States Congress.