Rise In Prescription Spray Abuse

This week, the UAE Ministry of Health wrote to education authorities across the nation to alert them to the misuse of a common pharmaceutical spray bought easily across the UAE.

The circular noted the availability of the substance and advised education authorities to remain vigilant to any 'widespread practice.'

Ethyl chloride is more commonly known as a topical anaesthetic spray, however students are using it as a 'cheap, low-cost high,' according to the Gulf News.

The spray can be purchased in many cases without a prescription in pharmacies across the emirates.

The spray is used for its 'laughing-gas,' content, and while pharmacies are not legally permitted to sell the product to children under 18, there is as yet, no change in the regulations of the sale of the product.

The side effects of ethyl chloride
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, short-term side effects of inhaling ethyl chloride include a feeling of drunkenness, lack of coordination and unconsciousness.

Long-term exposure to high amounts of the chemical can also result in several neurological side effects such as slowed reflexes, ataxia, speech difficulty, tremors, involuntary eye movement and hallucinations.

Long term misuse tests on laboratory animals show negative effects on the kidneys, lungs, liver and heart.

WebMD lists additional symptoms for long-term/high use as: persistent nausea and vomiting; changes in the color of a person's urine; yellowing of the skin and eyes; stomach or abdominal pain; and unusual tiredness.

The site also notes allergic reactions to the chemical which include; severe dizziness, rash, itching or swelling, especially in the face or throat and trouble breathing.

Availability
Gulf News found that while the product was not easily available across Dubai except in one pharmacy (although a prescription was required), of concern was the spray was easily purchased in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ajman.

Signs your child may be abusing ethyl chloride

• Hidden rags, clothes or empty containers of products that could be abused
• Slurred or incoherent speech
• Lack of coordination
• Confusion
• Irritability

For more information on keeping your prescription drugs safe from children and teens, see here.