Alternative names
4-MEC
IUPAC Name
2-(Ethylamino)-1-(4-methylphenyl)propan-1-one
Current Scheduling Status
Year(s) and type of review / ECDD meetings
Drug Class
Recommendation (from TRS)
Substance identification
4-Methylethcathinone (4-MEC) is chemically (R,S)-2-(ethylamino)-1-(p-tolyl) propan-1-one.
Previous review
4-MEC had not been previously pre-reviewed or critically reviewed by the Committee. A direct critical review was proposed based on information brought to WHO’s attention that 4-MEC is clandestinely manufactured, poses an especially serious risk to public health and society, and has no recognized therapeutic use by any party. Preliminary data collected from the literature and from different countries indicated that this substance may cause substantial harm and that it has no medical use.
Similarity to known substances and effects on the central nervous system
4-MEC is a homologue of mephedrone. Key features related to the mechanisms of action are comparable with psychostimulants and medicinal products that target the monoaminergic system. Recent studies have shown that 4-MEC may act as a non-selective inhibitor of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine transporters. In addition, it was observed to selectively release serotonin, while locomotor activity in the rat was not observed. Detailed data on adverse effects reported in connection with 4-MEC use are not abundant, but there is some likelihood of encountering a psychostimulant-type toxidrome. However, few non-fatal or fatal intoxications involving 4-MEC have been reported in the literature.
Dependence potential
No detailed clinical studies in humans are available.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
No detailed studies are available. In a WHO survey, 19 Member States confirmed recreational/harmful use of 4-MEC.
Therapeutic usefulness
4-MEC has no recorded therapeutic applications or medical use.
Recommendation
Owing to the current insufficiency of data regarding dependence, abuse and risks to public health, the Committee recommended that 4-MEC not be placed under international control at this time but be kept under surveillance.
4-Methylethcathinone (4-MEC) is chemically (R,S)-2-(ethylamino)-1-(p-tolyl) propan-1-one.
Previous review
4-MEC had not been previously pre-reviewed or critically reviewed by the Committee. A direct critical review was proposed based on information brought to WHO’s attention that 4-MEC is clandestinely manufactured, poses an especially serious risk to public health and society, and has no recognized therapeutic use by any party. Preliminary data collected from the literature and from different countries indicated that this substance may cause substantial harm and that it has no medical use.
Similarity to known substances and effects on the central nervous system
4-MEC is a homologue of mephedrone. Key features related to the mechanisms of action are comparable with psychostimulants and medicinal products that target the monoaminergic system. Recent studies have shown that 4-MEC may act as a non-selective inhibitor of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine transporters. In addition, it was observed to selectively release serotonin, while locomotor activity in the rat was not observed. Detailed data on adverse effects reported in connection with 4-MEC use are not abundant, but there is some likelihood of encountering a psychostimulant-type toxidrome. However, few non-fatal or fatal intoxications involving 4-MEC have been reported in the literature.
Dependence potential
No detailed clinical studies in humans are available.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
No detailed studies are available. In a WHO survey, 19 Member States confirmed recreational/harmful use of 4-MEC.
Therapeutic usefulness
4-MEC has no recorded therapeutic applications or medical use.
Recommendation
Owing to the current insufficiency of data regarding dependence, abuse and risks to public health, the Committee recommended that 4-MEC not be placed under international control at this time but be kept under surveillance.
ECDD Recommendation
Placed under surveillance
Link to full TRS
who_trs_991_eng.pdf1.3 MB
MS Questionnaire Report