Variability in content and dissolution profiles of MDMA tablets collected in the UK between 2001 and 2018 – A potential risk to users?
Lewis Couchman, Anca Frinculescu, Catarina Sobreira, Trevor Shine, J. Michael Ramsey, Max Hecht, Karin Kipper, David Holt, A. E. Johnston
Drug Testing and Analysis April 22, 2019 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2605 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 412 |
| Population | MDMA tablets collected from the UK, 2001–2018 |
| Duration | 2001–2018 |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Dissolution Immediate release Chromatography |
| Citations | 35 |
| Key findings | MDMA content in UK tablets has increased over time, reaching a median over 100 mg free-base in 2018, with dramatic within-batch variability and no predictable dissolution profile. |
Abstract
Abstract 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) tablets are widely used recreationally, and not only vary in appearance, but also in MDMA content. Recently, the prevalence of high‐content tablets is of concern to public health authorities. To compare UK data with other countries, we evaluated MDMA content of 412 tablets collected from the UK, 2001–2018, and investigated within‐batch content variability for a sub‐set of these samples. In addition, we investigated dissolution profiles of tablets using pharmaceutical industry‐standard dissolution experiments on 247 tablets. All analyses were carried out using liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Our data supported other studies, in that recent samples (2016–2018) tend to have higher MDMA content compared to earlier years. In 2018, the median MDMA content exceeded 100 mg free‐base for the first time. Dramatic within‐batch content variability (up to 136 mg difference) was also demonstrated. Statistical evaluation of dissolution profiles at 15‐minutes allowed tablets to be categorized as fast‐, intermediate‐, or slow‐releasing, but no tablet characteristics correlated with dissolution classification. Hence, there would be no way of users knowing a priori whether a tablet is more likely to be fast or slow‐releasing. Further, within‐batch variation in dissolution rate was observed. Rapid assessment of MDMA content alone provides important data for harm reduction, but does not account for variability in (a) the remainder of tablets in a batch, or (b) MDMA dissolution profiles. Clinical manifestations of MDMA toxicity, especially for high‐content, slow‐releasing tablets, may be delayed or prolonged, and there is a significant risk of users re‐dosing if absorption is delayed.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subjective Reports of the Effects of MDMA in a Clinical Setting Individuals who took MDMA in a clinical setting | 1986 | Observational study | |
| Memory impairment in abstinent MDMA ("Ecstasy") users Abstinent MDMA users | 1998 | Observational cohort | |
| Impaired cognitive performance in drug free users of recreational ecstasy (MDMA) Otherwise healthy young people | 2000 | Observational | |
| The Psychological and Physiological Effects of MDMA on Normal Volunteers Older, more educated, drug-experienced individuals | 1986 | Observational cohort | |
| Cognitive performance in recreational users of MDMA or 'ecstasy': evidence for memory deficits Young people who were regular or novice MDMA users, or non-users | 1998 | Observational cohort | n = 30 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 11
- MDMA interactions with pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology March 31, 2020
- Profile and correlates of colorimetric reagent kit use among people who use ecstasy/MDMA and other illegal stimulants in Australia. International Journal of Drug Policy November 1, 2021
- Evaluation of spectroscopic techniques for on-site drug testing of festival seizures. Drug Testing and Analysis June 1, 2025
- Harm reduction behaviours and harm experiences of people who use 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in Aotearoa New Zealand. Harm Reduction Journal March 21, 2024
- Using the pharmacy retail model to examine perceptions and biases of a UK population sample towards regulation of specific psychoactive drugs Drug Science, Policy and Law 2019
and 6 more in the library
Cites 12
- The content of ecstasy tablets: implications for the study of their long‐term effects Addiction December 1, 2002
- Who is ‘Molly’? MDMA adulterants by product name and the impact of harm-reduction services at raves Journal of Psychopharmacology July 10, 2017
- Pill content, dose and resulting plasma concentrations of 3,4‐methylendioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in recreational ‘ecstasy’ users Addiction February 14, 2011
- Purity, adulteration and price of drugs bought on-line versus off-line in the Netherlands. Addiction April 1, 2017
- The variability of ecstasy tablets composition in Brazil. Journal of Forensic Sciences 2015
and 7 more in the library