A tentative component analysis of norjizak: a new abused drug in Iran. | [Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences • 2015]

Author(s):

1. Mandana Sadeghi: IRSA Center for Psychology and Addiction Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2. Ali Farhoudian: Research Center for Substance Abuse and Dependence, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Tehran, Iran

3. Hamid Reza Khoddami Vishteh: Research Center for Substance Abuse and Dependence, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Tehran, Iran

4. Shadi Rahimzadeh: Research Center for Substance Abuse and Dependence, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Tehran, Iran

5. Monir Fekri: Bahar Laboratory of toxicology, Tehran, Iran

6. Afarin Rahimi Movaghar: Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

7. Saeed Sefatian: IRSA Center for Psychology and Addiction Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract:

Norjizak is a new drug abused in the past few years in Iran with symptoms and complications distinct from other common forms of drug and characterized by higher rate of mortality. The present study aims to analyze the chemical components of this substance. Five samples were obtained from abusers referring from different areas of Tehran to a treatment clinic. All samples were 2ml vials with yellowish fluid. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was performed first to analyze the samples semi-quantitatively and the quantitative levels of components were then explored using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). TLC revealed steroid (in form of betamethasone), heroin, codeine, morphine and thebaine in all five samples. Four samples contained acetaminophen and two samples contained caffeine. None of them contained amphetamine, benzodiazepine, tricyclic antidepressant, aspirin, barbiturates, tramadol and buprenorphine. HPLC revealed that heroin, codeine, morphine and thebaine constituted the narcotic foundation in all samples. In addition, the heroin to acetylcodeine ratio was significantly lower in three samples, which indicates their higher toxicity. The results of the present study on the chemical components of Norjizak showed that this substance is an opiate one similar to heroin and the heroin-based crack prevalent in Iran which contains betamethasone.

Page(s): 1631-1636

DOI: DOI not available

Published: Journal: Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume: 28, Issue: 5, Year: 2015

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