2C-I-NBOMe, an "N-bomb" that kills with "Smiles". Toxicological and legislative aspects.

The substituted phenethylamine 2C-I-NBOMe, sold as "N-Bomb," is a potent designer drug that has recently entered the illicit drug market. Intoxications and fatalities from its use are increasing worldwide, yet its use and trafficking remain illegal in only some countries. This review summarizes the drug's chemistry, availability, pharmacology, toxicology, reported intoxications and lethal cases, and current global legislation, drawing on peer-reviewed databases and non-peer-reviewed sources.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Substituted phenethylamines are a class of designer drugs that have recently emerged in the drug abuse market. Such substances remain legal to use, possess, and supply until these compounds become classified as scheduled. 2C-I-NBOMe or 25I-NBOMe is the N-benzyl-derivative of the iodo-substituted dimethoxy-phenethylamine (2C-I) that appeared recently in the drug market under the street name "N-Bomb". Due to its high potency, intoxications and fatal cases related to 2C-I-NBOMe use are increased worldwide. The use and trafficking of this substituted phenethylamine is banned only in some countries. A comprehensive review was performed using PubMed and Medline databases, together with additional non-peer reviewed information sources, including books and publications of state authorities in different countries, regarding chemistry, availability, pharmacology, and toxicology of 2C-I-NBOMe. Intoxications or lethal cases, published or reported, as well as the current legislation on this newly introduced drug are also reviewed.