N-Methylephedrine is a derivative of ephedrine. It has been isolated from Ephedra distachya.[2]

In organic chemistry, N-methylephedrine is used as a resolving agent and as a precursor to chiral supporting electrolytes, phase-transfer catalysts, and reducing agents.[3] Pharmacologically, N-methylephedrine is a non-selective adrenergic receptor agonist.[4]

Just like ephedrine, it may have abuse potential [citation needed]. N-methylephedrine is one of the four constituents of BRON, a Japanese OTC cough medicine with reports of abuse.[5] Addiction liability of BRON was attributed primarily to the Codeine component.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Merck Index, 11th Edition, 5987
  2. ^ Smith (1927). "CCLXX. l-Methylephedrine, an alkaloid from Ephedra species". J. Chem. Soc.: 2056–2059. doi:10.1039/jr9270002056.
  3. ^ (1R,2S)-(−)-N-Methylephedrine at Sigma-Aldrich
  4. ^ "KEGG DRUG: dl-Methylephedrine hydrochloride". www.genome.jp. Retrieved 2023-01-12.
  5. ^ Jun, Ishigooka; Yoshiko, Yoshida; Mitsukuni, Murasaki (1991-01-01). "Abuse of "BRON": A Japanese OTC cough suppressant solution containing methylephedrine, codeine, caffeine and chlorpheniramine". Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry. 15 (4): 513–521. doi:10.1016/0278-5846(91)90026-W. ISSN 0278-5846. PMID 1749828. S2CID 53187238.