Drugs and Chemicals of Concern

4-methylmethcathinone
[Mephedrone, 4-MMC, meow meow, m-CAT, bounce, bubbles, mad cow]

July 2010
DEA/OD/ODE

Introduction

4-Methylmethcathinone (mephedrone) is a designer drug of the phenethylamine class and shares substantial structural similarities with methcathinone (Schedule I).  Evidence of mephedrone use and associated toxicity has been increasing, in 2009 and 2010, particularly in the United Kingdom and other European countries.  To date, one confirmed and several suspected deaths related to mephedrone have been reported by Europol-EMCDDA Joint report on mephedrone 2010.  In recent years, law enforcement agencies have documented seizures (Oregon, Illinois and Alabama) associated with mephedrone in the United States.

Licit Uses  

Mephedrone is not approved for medical use in the United States.

Chemistry

4-Methylmethcathinone
Molecular Formula: C11H15NO

The core chemical structure of mephedrone identifies it as a phenethylamine, and is related in chemical structure to methcathinone differing only by a methyl group (CH3) on the ring.  It is a solid at room temperature. 

Pharmacology

Structure-activity relationship studies allow to predict that the pharmacology of mephedrone is similar to methcathinone as well as other substances of phenethylamine chemical class.  The compounds having similar structure (e.g., methamphetamine, methylone, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, cathinone and methcathinone) have been used to assess the pharmacological profile of mephedrone. This class of compounds is known to produce central nervous system stimulation, psychoactivity and hallucinations. 

The adverse health effects caused by mephedrone are broadly similar to those seen with other stimulant drugs.  Adverse effects produced by phenethylamines are increased heart rate, chest pain, agitation, irritability, dizziness, delusions, nose bleeding, nausea and vomiting.  Consistent with the above discussion, mephedrone was reported to produce agitation, dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure in a 22-year-old man who used it for recreational purpose.

User Population

It is predominantly used by youth population (15-24 years), higher in males than females, from urban areas, who frequent clubs, discos and dance events (Europol-EMCDDA Joint report on Mephedrone, 2010).  

Illicit Distribution

Mephedrone is sold over the internet and is promoted as a “research chemical”, “bath salts” or “plant food.” 

Control Status

Mephedrone is not scheduled under Controlled Substance Act (CSA).  However, it can be considered an analogue of methcathinone (schedule I substance) under the analogue provision of the CSA (Title 21 United States Code 813). Therefore, law enforcement cases involving mephedrone can be prosecuted under the Federal Analog Act of the CSA.

Comments and additional information are welcomed by the Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, Fax 202-353-1263, Telephone 202-307-7183, or E-mail ODE@usdoj.gov.