Validação de método para determinação de 3,4-metilenodioximetanfetamina (MDMA) em comprimidos de ecstasy por cromatografia em fase gasosa
Revista Brasileira de Ciências Farmacêuticas March 1, 2004 Silvio Fernandes Lapachinske, Maurı́cio Yonamine, Regina Lúcia de Moraes Moreau 6 citations
Ecstasy, sold illegally as tablets or capsules with varied colors, sizes, and logos, is chemically methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a synthetic compound with central stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. The rise in ecstasy abuse has increased poisoning cases from the drug itself or adulterants. Analogous substances found in ecstasy tablets include MDEA, MDA, methamphetamine, and amphetamine; caffeine and ephedrines are common adulterants. This work validated a gas chromatography method with nitrogen/phosphorus detection to quantify MDMA in ecstasy tablets or capsules, also identifying analogs and adulterants. The method, involving direct dissolution in methanol, centrifugation, and supernatant dilution, proved simple, rapid, and efficient. Detection and quantification limits for MDMA were 1.5 and 3.0 mg per 100 mg of tablet. Samples from 25 seized lots showed considerable variability in composition and MDMA quantity.