Police and Drug Administration officials in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, have intensified surveillance of gyms and fitness centres across the district following reports that Mephentermine, a prescription-only cardiac stimulant, is being illegally used by young fitness enthusiasts to boost endurance during intensive workouts. The crackdown, ordered on 26 August, comes after a seizure of the injectable drug from a gym near Mettupalayam.

How the Issue Came to Light

The illegal use of Mephentermine surfaced when Coimbatore District Rural Police seized the drug from a gym in the Mettupalayam area. Investigations revealed that some fitness enthusiasts and workout regulars were using it as a performance-enhancing substance. Following the seizure, the District Collector directed both the police and the Drug Administration Department to curb misuse and trace the drug's supply channels.

What Is Mephentermine and Why Is It Dangerous

Mephentermine Sulphate is primarily used to treat low blood pressure, particularly during surgical procedures. The drug stimulates the release of noradrenaline, increases cardiac output, and rapidly raises blood pressure. Health officials warned that its misuse could cause serious cardiovascular complications and, in extreme cases, prove fatal. Officials stressed that it must be administered only under medical supervision, with dosage and duration determined by a qualified doctor.

What Officials Are Doing

S. Marimuthu, Assistant Director of Drugs Control, Coimbatore Zone, said drug inspectors had been directed to verify stock and distribution records of Mephentermine at pharmacies across the district. While the likelihood of over-the-counter sales at local pharmacies is considered relatively low, officials are examining purchase and supply records. According to Marimuthu, hospitals typically stock the drug as an emergency medicine, while those seeking it for illegal purposes may procure it through online platforms or suppliers operating in other states.

Broader Crackdown on Prescription Drug Misuse

The Mephentermine surveillance is part of a wider effort to combat the illegal sale and misuse of habit-forming medicines. In August alone, cases were registered against six pharmacies in Pollachi, Sulur, Madukkarai, Saravanampatti, and Periyanaickenpalayam for alleged violations. Drugs frequently detected in misuse cases include Tapentadol, Tramadol, Alprazolam, Pregabalin, and Zolpidem — all classified as psychotropic or habit-forming substances regulated under Schedules H and H1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules.

Drug distributors in Coimbatore have also been instructed to avoid supplying habit-forming sedatives to standalone pharmacies in rural areas, and to instead prioritise pharmacies attached to hospitals where distribution can be more closely monitored. The crackdown signals a sharpening focus on prescription drug diversion in Tamil Nadu's fitness and wellness ecosystem.