Hyderabad: DCA seizes illegally stocked cardiac stimulant injections, sold for gym-goers

Hyderabad: Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, seized illegally stocked and sold cardiac stimulant drug Mephentermine Sulphate Injections, in Asifnagar and Karwan, Hyderabad. This drug was being sold illegally to gym-goers for abuse in bodybuilding.

In separate events, DCA conducted raids on clinics operated by quacks, seizing illegally stocked drugs worth Rs. 2.06 lakhs intended for sale at various locations.

Based on credible information, officials carried out raids in Asifnagar and Karwan. During the raids, officials detected stocks of a cardiac stimulant drug, 'Mephentermine Sulphate Injection,' illegally stocked and sold to gym-goers for abuse in bodybuilding at exorbitant prices.

The said injections are being supplied for abuse by Atif Khan, resident of Asifnagar and Ajay Singh, resident of Karwan. During the raids, officers seized 210 vials of Mephentermine Injections, with a total worth of Rs. 65,000.

Mephentermine Injection is a cardiac stimulant primarily used to normalize decreased blood pressure (hypotension) that may arise from administering anesthesia in spinal procedures during surgery. It is employed to elevate blood pressure in cases of hypotensive (low blood pressure) states.

This medication induces increased release of noradrenaline, thereby enhancing cardiac output. By augmenting the pumping capacity of the heart and constricting blood vessels, it rapidly raises blood pressure. It's crucial to note that only a doctor should determine the appropriate dose and duration of this medicine for each individual.

However, Mephentermine Injection, with its cardiac stimulatory action, is being misused to enhance endurance in bodybuilders. Certain gyms are illegally selling Mephentermine Injection to gym-goers who misuse it to improve physical performance in competitive sports or bodybuilding. Abuse of Mephentermine Sulphate Injections can result in various adverse effects, including psychosis, cardiovascular disorders, and the development of tolerance and dependence over time.

The illegal stocking and sale of cardiac stimulant drugs for abuse in gyms, particularly for bodybuilding, constitutes a violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Individuals involved may face imprisonment for up to five years.

Unauthorized Practitiones:

Based on credible information, officials raided the premises of quacks/unauthorized practitioners who were practicing medicine without proper qualifications at their clinics.

During the raids, substantial quantities of medicines stocked for sale without a drug license were found.

DCA officials detected several ‘antibiotics’ viz. Meropenem, Cefpodoxime, Ceftriaxone, Tazobactam, at the clinics during the raids. Indiscriminate sale of antibiotics, by unqualified persons may have disastrous consequences on the health of rural public, including emergence of ‘Antimicrobial Resistance’.

Officials found ‘steroids’ viz. Dexamethasone etc. at clinics of a quack. Misusing steroids can have serious health consequences, including immune system suppression, hormonal imbalances, muscle and bone weakness, cardiovascular problems, and psychological effects. The indiscriminate use of steroids poses significant risks to public health.

DCA officials seized the stocks, worth a total of Rs 2.06 lakhs, during the raids. The officers lifted the samples for analysis.

Raids conducted at unlicensed medical shop in Adilabad:

Acting on credible information regarding the illegal sale of medicines, officials raided a shop located at Nethaji Chowk, Adilabad District. M Mallikarjun was running a medical shop ‘Adarsh Medicals’ at the said premises illegally without a drug licence.

During the raid, DCA officers detected unauthorized stocking of huge quantity of medicines for sale. 20 varieties of medicines including antibiotics, steroids, anti-ulcer drugs, analgesics, etc. are found stocked for sale at the premises. DCA officials seized the stock of total worth Rs. 40,000 during the raid.

Seizure of drugs falsely manufactured under the guise of food products:

During the raids, DCA officials detected drugs falsely manufactured and sold under the guise of 'food products/nutraceuticals'.

The officials in Bandimet, Secunderabad have detected the product Ferrigen-XT Tablets (Ferrous Ascorbate, Folic Acid & Zinc Tablets) circulating in the market. The product was found to be manufactured by Maxtra Laboratories, Rangarangaiah nagar, Chengi Cherla Village, Medchal-Malkajgiri District and marketed by Regen Biotics as a food product/nutraceutical.

DCA officials in Khammam have detected the product Proferron XT Tablets (Ferrous Ascorbate, Folic Acid & Zinc Tablets) circulating in the market. The product was found to be manufactured by Macsol Lifescience, Gujarat, as a food product/nutraceutical.

The said products were falsely manufactured under a 'food license (FSSAI license)' and falsely claimed to be food products/nutraceuticals. According to the label composition of these products, they are classified as drugs under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Further investigation will be carried out, and action will be taken as per the law against all the offenders.