Question & AnswerQ&A (DDB BOARD REGULATION NO. 2)
The Dangerous Drugs Board has the power to reclassify, add to, or remove from the list of dangerous drugs any dangerous drug.
Methylephedrine is a derivative of Ephedrine used in other countries as a decongestant and bronchodilator but has high potential for abuse and adverse effects such as increased blood pressure, cardiovascular stress, and priapism.
Methylephedrine is considered a precursor because it is a precursor of Ephedrine, which is a controlled substance under the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
Evidence includes its presence in clandestine drug laboratories found during operations by the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and recognition by scientific journals and international bodies.
Yes, all compounds, mixtures, and preparations containing Methylephedrine, including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers, are classified as dangerous drugs subject to regulation under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The World Anti-Doping Agency included Methylephedrine in the 2013 Prohibited List, International Standard under item S6(b) as a prohibited stimulant.
The resolution notes that the Philippines already has enough medications in the market that can produce the same therapeutic effects as those of Methylephedrine.
A public hearing was held on May 28, 2013, initiated by the DDB Committee on Public Hearings, where various stakeholders supported the proposed inclusion.
The resolution was signed by Secretary Antonio A. Villar, Jr., Chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board, and attested by Undersecretary Jose Marlowe S. Pedregosa, Executive Director and Secretary of the Board.
Methylephedrine falls under the regulatory and control measures provided for in the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Dangerous Drugs Board.