The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) in Telangana has cracked down on the illegal sale of the potent cardiac stimulant, mephentermine sulphate injection, following a raid in Namalagundu in Secunderabad.
The operation, executed last week targeted an unlicensed premises where the prescription drug was being illegally stocked and sold to gym enthusiasts for performance enhancement in bodybuilding. This significant seizure underscores a growing concern about the misuse of critical medications for non-medical purposes within the fitness community.
According to sources from the department, acting on intelligence received from the Kharkana Police, officials from the DCA in Secunderabad Zone raided the property belonging to M Naresh at H. No. 12-10-771 in Namalagundu. The inspection revealed a cache of Termiva and Termin injections, both brands of mephentermine sulphate injection, which were being supplied directly by Naresh to gym-goers. The DCA seized a total of 66 vials of the drug, each marked with the strength of IP 30 mg ml.
The drug officials said mephentermine sulphate injection is a strictly controlled medication with a primary medical indication as a cardiac stimulant. Its main use is to rapidly elevate and normalize dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension), often encountered during spinal anaesthesia in surgical procedures. The drug functions by inducing the release of noradrenaline, thereby aggressively enhancing the heart’s pumping capacity and constricting blood vessels to quickly raise systemic blood pressure.
Despite its critical role in emergency medicine, the drug’s powerful cardiac stimulatory action has led to its dangerous misuse in bodybuilding. Individuals seeking to improve physical performance and endurance in competitive sports or intensive training have been illicitly acquiring and injecting the drug. This practice is extremely risky as the medication’s potent effects are designed for controlled medical settings, not routine athletic enhancement.
DCA Director General Shawnavas Quasim emphasized on the grave dangers associated with this illegal trade and abuse. Misusing mephentermine sulphate injections can precipitate severe cardiovascular disorders, including life-threatening complications, and may potentially result in sudden death. The DCA remains committed to eradicating the illegal diversion of prescription-only drugs, he said.
The raid was carried out by a dedicated team of officers, including D. Saritha, assistant director, Secunderabad, B. Govind Singh, Drugs Inspector, Secunderabad, P. Renuka, Drugs Inspector, Musheerabad and G. Surendranath, Drugs Inspector, Begumpet. Their swift action prevented further illegal distribution of the drugs into the bodybuilding network.
The illegal stocking and sale of prescription drugs like mephentermine sulphate injection to unauthorized individuals constitute a serious breach of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Individuals found guilty of such violations are liable for stringent legal action, including potential imprisonment for up to five years, signalling the authorities’ firm stance against drug abuse within the fitness industry.
Source : Pharmabiz
