Crackdown on 'Mephentermine Sulphate Injection' abuse in Gyms: Stocks seized in Telangana during joint operation

Telangana: Drugs Control Administration,Telangana, in a joint operation with the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB), seized illegally stocked and sold cardiac stimulant drugs, Termin Injections and Termiva Injections (Mephentermine Sulphate Injections), from Bariga Akash in Manikonda Jagir, Ranga Reddy District. 

Based on credible information, the raid was conducted on 18th January at an unlicensed premise.

During the raid, officials detected stocks of a cardiac stimulant drug, 'Mephentermine Sulphate Injection,' illegally stocked and sold to gym-goers for abuse in bodybuilding. The said injections are being supplied for abuse by Bariga Akash.

Mephentermine Sulphate 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 Sulphate 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.

During the raid, officers seized stocks of 14 vials of TERMIVA Injections and 4 vials of TERMIN Injections (Mephenteramine Sulphate Injections IP 30 mg/ml) from the possession of Bariga Akash.

Officers of Drugs Control Administration viz. Smt. D. Swetha Bindu, Drugs Inspector, Gandipet, Sri. K. Anvesh, Drugs Inspector, Shabad, and Sri. G. Ravi Kiran, Drugs Inspector, Rajendranagar among the officers who carried out the raid. The illegal stocking and sale of drugs is a violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and individuals involved can face imprisonment for up to five years.