CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS REGARDING GHB AND GBL INCIDENTS, TREATMENT AND DETECTION: A QUALITATIVE REVIEW
Journal Title: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research - Year 2019, Vol 8, Issue 6
Abstract
In this qualitative review we address the neuropharmacological properties of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and its precursor gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), which explain why these drugs are highly addictive, and cause serious symptoms of intoxication and withdrawal. In various countries the medicinal use of the sodium salt of GHB is approved for narcolepsy, cataplexy, treatment of opioid and alcohol withdrawal, and sedation as an anaesthetic. The abuse of illicit GHB and GHB-related drug incidents have increased in the past decade in the Netherlands, other European countries, Australia, and the USA. Treatment of GHB and GBL intoxication involves appropriate supportive care and monitoring. A serious withdrawal syndrome can be prevented by titration tapering with pharmaceutical GHB. This alternative to benzodiazepines proves to be effective and safe, especially in patients who have developed resistance to benzodiazepines. At present, a high relapse rate remains a permanent complication. In addition, GHB is used in drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA). Boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes are used as fluorescent sensors: GHB Orange for GHB detection and Green Date for GBL detection. We examine whether GHB Orange is a reliable, real-time detection test to prevent nonintentional ingestion of GHB. Our findings highlight the limitations of BODIPY dyes as drug detection tests. Finally, we conclude that the core of prevention of date rape remains education to increase public awareness of DFSA by both medical health professionals and parents.
Authors and Affiliations
Dr. Selene R. T. Veerman
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP672446
- DOI -
- Views 143
- Downloads 0
IMPURITY PROFILING: OVERVIEW ON IMPURITY PROFILING AND REPORTING METHODOLOGIES ADOPTED BY UNITED STATES AND EUROPE
Impurities are not acceptable in drug formulation. It is considered as unwanted chemicals or organic material which remains with Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API’s). The impurity is produced either during formulatio...
A REVIEW ON THE POTENTIALITY OF MUSHROOMS AND ITS ALLERGY TO HUMAN HEALTH
The mushroom is a form of plant life without leaves, buds, flowers, and is recognized as fleshy macro-fungi, a group of achlorophyllous organisms. These are sometimes tough and umbrella like sporophore (fruiting body) wi...
IMMUNOPHENOTYPING OF HIV PATIENTS CO-INFECTED WITH MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS
Human immunodeficiency virus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis have been linked with immune suppression leading to an impaired immune response to pathogenic infections. Several studies on HIV, TB, HIV/TB co-infection were p...
DOES LACTOBACILLUS GASSERI BRING BENEFITS TO THE METABOLIC PROFILE OF WISTAR RATS FED A HYPERCALORIC DIET?
Obesity is considered a pandemic and is associated with innumerable risks and complications for health. Lactobacillus gasseri is a lactic acid probiotic bacterium that that may promote beneficial effects in rats and huma...
BRAMHA MUHURTA FOR HEALTHY LIFESTYLE – A REVIEW STUDY
Ayurveda is the science of life with aim of attaining healthy long life and curing diseases to achieve Purusharth Chatushtayas in his life span. For this a healthy and disease-free life is required. Our ancestors had suf...