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Phencyclidine

المؤلف:  Sue Jickells , Adam Negrusz (Editors)

المصدر:  Clarkes Analytical Forensic Toxicology

الجزء والصفحة:  P56-58

2026-09-17

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Phencyclidine

Phencyclidine (PCP) (street names: Angel Dust, Crystal, Keeler Weed) was synthesised in the early 1900s and tested during World War I as a surgical anaesthetic (Fig. 1). It was then patented by Parke-Davis in 1957 under the name Sernyl but was quickly discontinued for human use owing to the side-effects such as delirium, paranoia, hallucinations and euphoria subsequently leading to addiction, and its very long half-life (in plasma 7–46 hours). It was subsequently manufactured as a veterinary anaesthetic but was discontinued again. In the early 1960s PCP was replaced by ketamine, which is still in use. PCP is an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) ionotropic receptor in the CNS causing an inhibition of de-polarization of neurons and subsequent interferences with cognitive and other functions of the brain. The natural agonist for this receptor is glutamate, which is believed to be a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. In its pure form PCP is a white crystalline powder that readily dissolves in water. Owing to the presence of impurities, the colour of PCP can range from white to dark brown. It is smoked (cigarettes dipped in PCP solution), or taken orally. In the US PCP is currently in Schedule II and is covered as a mandatory drug by the workplace drug testing programmes.

Figure 1 Phencyclidine (PCP).