Quality issues of Illicit drugs Flashcards
define recreation
the process or means of refreshing or entertaining oneself after a period of work by some pleasurable activity
define drug
a substance that acts on the nervous system, especially one causing addiction
what does PCQ stand for
purity, consistency and quality
- the foundation of good and safe medicines production
what are the 3 most commonly used drugs
alcohol, nicotine and caffeine
how can illicit drugs be taken
- IV injection
- subcutaneous depot by injection
- inhalation
- insufflation
- orally
- rectally
- intravaginally
what is a regulatory comparison
compares the difference between ‘street’ and approved drugs
what does the supply chain involve
- profit vs safety
give examples of microbes routinely found in recreational drugs but never sold in commercial medicines
- bacteria- bacillus cereus, e.coli
- fungi- geotrichum spp
- viruses- polioviruses
how do injectors of heroin test that they have hit a vein and what does this lead to
by aspirating their blood
- contaminating the syringe and despite being prepared in hot water, there is no assurance of sterility
give examples of impurities in heroin
- diacetylmorphine
- morphine
- acetylcodeine
- narcotine
what is methadone
a prescribed heroin replacement
what can cocaine cause
causes heart irregularities, as 1 of its actions is in modifying heart rate and the ion pump mechanism
describe how hardwood tree is used in the clubbing culture
safrole or sassafras oil is used to make MDMA
- MDA (hallucinogen) is a common CNS toxin impurity present with bathtub preparation
give examples of cutting agents (diluents)
mannitol, glucose, lactose, baking soda, chalk
what is krokodil
- made by oxidation of codeine
- 15-40% purity
- self made desomorphine is very impure
- causes tissue decay at injection site
- 4x as powerful and 2x as addictive as heroin
- effect is short lasting and user needs immediate fix
- death typically one year after first use
