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The abuse of synthetic cathinones, formerly marketed as “bath salts”, has emerged over the last decade. Three common drugs in this class include 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone), and 3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone (methylone). An LC–MS/MS method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of MDPV, mephedrone, and methylone in brain tissue. Briefly, MDPV, mephedrone, methylone, and their deuterium-labeled analogs were subjected to solid phase extraction (SPE) and separated using an HILIC Silica Column. The HPLC was coupled to a Shimadzu IT-TOF (ion trap-time of flight) system with the electrospray source running in positive mode (+ESI). The method was validated for precision, accuracy, and extraction efficiency. All inter-day and intra-day % RSD (percent relative standard deviation) and % error values were less than 15% and extraction efficiency exceeded 80%. These conditions allowed for limits of detection of 1ng/mL for MDPV, and 5 ng/mL for both mephedrone and methylone. The limits of quantification were determined to be 5ng/mL for MDPV and 10 ng/mL for mephedrone and methylone. The method was utilized to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of these drugs in adult male rats following administration of a drug cocktail including MDPV, mephedrone, and methylone. All three compounds reached peak concentrations in the brain within 15 min. Although methylone and mephedrone were administered at the same dose, the peak concentration (Cmax) of mephedrone in the brain was significantly higher than that for methylone, as was the area under the curve (AUC). In summary, this quick and sensitive method for measuring synthetic cathinones may be used for future pharmacokinetic investigations of these drugs in target tissue.

As the profession of pharmacy has transitioned from a chemistry-centered profession to a patient-centered profession, the role of medicinal chemistry in the curriculum has evolved. There is decreased emphasis on memorization of chemical structures, and priority placed on relating these structures to ADME, physical properties, and pharmacodynamics. Simultaneously, the delivery of this content has shifted from traditional lecture format to other styles. Here we discuss some new approaches to teaching medicinal chemistry.

Abstract available in the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education.

Jet Propellant-8 (JP-8) is a military fuel associated with a large percentage of chemical exposures documented by the US Department of Defense. A fast and sensitive solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric method has been developed for the determination of 34 ‘marker compounds’ found in JP-8. Linear ranges were determined for each marker component and precision was measured for these components over four concentrations within each calibration range. The method was applied for the analysis of JP-8 components from soil. The use of SPME over other sample extraction techniques eliminates solvents, minimizes sample handling, and increases sensitivity.

The term 'club drug' can be loosely defined as any substance used to enhance social settings. Such drugs are commonly found at raves or similar all-night dance parties and include methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), ketamine (KET), and flunitrazepam (FLU). These drugs have potentially dangerous side effects including hallucinations, paranoia, amnesia and hyperthermia. In addition, GHB, KET and FLU are considered predatory drugs due to their roles in drug-facilitated sexual assault. Forensic and regulatory agencies routinely have the need for determination and accurate quantification of these drugs in biological fluids, especially in cases of mortality or criminal investigations. This review presents the chromatographic and spectroscopic methods published for such analyses over the last decade, including sample preparation techniques and validation data.

Many studies have investigated the effects of energy drinks on cardiovascular parameters. These studies were typically conducted with high volume (32 ounces) energy drinks and have demonstrated association with QT prolongation and blood pressure elevation after consumption. Currently, there is inconclusive evidence with lower volume energy drinks. This study intends to evaluate the effects of the largest commercially available energy drink can (24 ounces) in the United States on cardiovascular parameters compared with placebo arm. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial was conducted over 2 separate days with a minimum of 6-day wash out period. Healthy volunteers between the age of 18 and 40 randomly consumed either a 24 oz energy drink or 24 oz placebo control drink on different days. Subjects were required to fast overnight and refrain from products containing caffeine or alcohol 48 hours prior to each study day. ECG, peripheral and central BP, heart rate, and augmentation index were measured at baseline, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours post-consumption. Primary endpoints were average maximum change of corrected QT (QTc) interval and peripheral systolic blood pressure (pSBP) from baseline. The study enrolled 20 participants with a mean age of 23±5 years. The maximum baseline-adjusted difference of QTc interval was significantly higher in the energy drink arm than the placebo arm (13.68 ± 12.71 vs 4.20 ± 8.80 ms, respectively, p = 0.007). The maximum baseline-adjusted difference of pSBP was significantly higher in the energy drink arm compared to placebo (11.10 ± 5.24 vs 6.08 ± 7.07 mmHg, respectively; p= 0.006). Maximum baseline-adjusted difference of central diastolic BP and systolic and diastolic BP were also statistically significantly higher in the energy drink arm. This study demonstrated that a single, 24-ounce can of an energy drink can significantly prolong the QTc interval and raise pSBP.

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