Mistaking 2C-P for 2C-B: What a Difference a Letter Makes

J Anal Toxicol. 2017 Jan;41(1):77-79. doi: 10.1093/jat/bkw108. Epub 2016 Oct 6.

Abstract

2,5-Dimethoxy-4(n)-propylphenethylamine (2C-P) is a synthetic phenethylamine derivative belonging to the large family of the so-called 2C drugs. These compounds can differ significantly in receptor affinity, potency and duration of action, and an important structural difference is the ligand in the 4 position of the phenyl ring, such as propyl in 2C-P or bromine in 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenethylamine (2C-B). The 2C drugs are known for their hallucinogenic properties. We present a case of a 19-year-old male admitted to the emergency department with severe hallucinations, mydriasis, tachycardia, agitation and confusion following the use of a substance sold as 2C-B. By using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, the more potent substance 2C-P was detected and quantified. On the basis of two blood sample concentrations, the estimated elimination half-life was 19 h. This case report illustrates and discusses the differences in potency and duration of action of 2C drugs.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Benzodiazepines / therapeutic use
  • Chemical Phenomena
  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Dimethoxyphenylethylamine / administration & dosage
  • Dimethoxyphenylethylamine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Dimethoxyphenylethylamine / blood
  • Dimethoxyphenylethylamine / poisoning
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Half-Life
  • Hallucinations / chemically induced
  • Hallucinations / diagnosis
  • Hallucinogens / blood*
  • Hallucinogens / poisoning*
  • Haloperidol / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Mydriasis / chemically induced
  • Mydriasis / diagnosis
  • Phenethylamines / blood*
  • Phenethylamines / poisoning*
  • Tachycardia / chemically induced
  • Tachycardia / diagnosis
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • 2,5-dimethoxy-4-n-propylthiophenethylamine
  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Dimethoxyphenylethylamine
  • Hallucinogens
  • Phenethylamines
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Haloperidol
  • 2-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethylamine