Misleading Drugs with Street Name Temgesic and Norgesic in Hand of Iranian Drug Abusers; What Are Their True Natures?

Background: The illicit vials with street name Temgesic and Norgesic has been distributed in black market of Iran in recent years. With reference to their name, one may presume that they contain the opioid Buprenorphine; but there are some reports in opposition to this. True nature of these vials has been shown in the current study. Methods: All of drugs that had been apprehended by law enforcement police in Arak city in center of Iran during March 2010 to September 2010 were included in the study. Totally 31 samples were analyzed. The samples were examined using thin layer chromatography (TLC) method. Gas chromatography with mass Spectrophotometry (GC-MS) or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods were used to confirm the results. Results: All of the samples contained opioids include Heroin, Morphine, Codeine, Mono acetyl morphine and Acetyl codeine with varying proportions. In addition, pheniramine, amitriptyline and caffeine were found in some samples. There was no Buprenorphine in the samples. Presence of the steroid Dexamethasone in the samples was shown too. Conclusion: When the physicians treat the patients with acute or long-term complications of Temgesic and Norgesic abuse, they should mull over true nature of the vials; not their disingenuous street name.