Pharmacokinetic comparison of two methods of heroin smoking: 'chasing the dragon' versus the use of a heating device.
In preparation for a trial on co-prescription of inhalable heroin and methadone, two methods for inhalation of heroin/caffeine tablets were compared: the commonly used method of 'chasing the dragon' and a standardised procedure for inhalation of volatilised heroin, using a heating device. Five male addicts inhaled a tablet of smokable heroin daily for 5 days, alternating the inhalation method. Plasma concentrations of heroin, 6-acetylmorphine, morphine and morphine-3- and -6-glucuronide were determined using a liquid chromatography method with tandem mass spectrometric detection. The exposure to heroin and its metabolites (expressed as areas under the concentration-time curve) was significantly lower after smoking via the heating device than after 'chasing the dragon': heroin 80% and 6-acetylmorphine 73% lower (p < 0.05). Maximal concentrations of heroin and 6-acetylmorphine were also 80% and 70% lower (p < 0.05) after using the heating device. 'Chasing the dragon' is a more efficient inhalation method than inhalation via the heating device.
Klous
Marjolein G
MG
Slotervaart Hospital, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Louwesweg 6, P.O. Box 90440, 1006 BK Amsterdam, The Netherlands. apmlk@slz.nl
Huitema
Alwin D R
AD
Rook
Elisabeth J
EJ
Hillebrand
Michel J X
MJ
Hendriks
Vincent M
VM
Van den Brink
Wim
W
Beijnen
Jos H
JH
Van Ree
Jan M
JM
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D002110:Caffeine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D006207:Half-Life; D003932:Heroin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012906:Smoke
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D009294:Narcotics; D012906:Smoke; D002110:Caffeine; D003932:Heroin