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Recent paramethoxyamphetamine deaths
H E Felgate1, P D Felgate, R A James
1Forensic Science, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Abstract:
Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) is a methoxylated phenethylamine derivative that has been used illicitly in Australia since late 1994. It is purportedly sold under the guise of "ecstasy", which is the colloquial name for methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Methods for extraction, identification, and quantitation are presented. Toxicology findings in six fatalities involving the drug are discussed. Femoral blood PMA levels ranged from 0.24 to 4.9 mg/L (mean, 2.3 mg/L). Liver PMA levels ranged from 1.4 to 21 mg/kg (mean, 8.9 mg/kg). Other amphetamines were found in five of the six cases. Blood PMA levels in three nonfatal cases are also presented. PMA appeared to be more toxic than MDMA, and blood levels greater than 0.5 mg/L seemed likely to be associated with toxic effects.
Insights
Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA), often sold as "ecstasy", is a dangerous drug. Toxicology reports show PMA is more toxic than MDMA, with levels above 0.5 mg/L linked to adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Illicit Drug Analysis
Background:
- Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) is a substituted amphetamine derivative illicitly used in Australia since 1994.
- PMA is frequently misrepresented as methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as "ecstasy".
Observation:
- This study details methods for PMA extraction, identification, and quantitation.
- Toxicology findings from six fatalities and three non-fatal cases involving PMA are presented.
Findings:
- Femoral blood PMA concentrations ranged from 0.24 to 4.9 mg/L (mean 2.3 mg/L).
- Liver PMA concentrations ranged from 1.4 to 21 mg/kg (mean 8.9 mg/kg).
- Other amphetamines were detected in five of the six fatal cases.
Implications:
- PMA demonstrates higher toxicity compared to MDMA.
- Blood PMA levels exceeding 0.5 mg/L are likely associated with toxicological effects.
- These findings highlight the critical need for accurate identification and monitoring of PMA in forensic toxicology.