| Item |
Information |
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Drug Groups
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illicit; approved |
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Description
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Dextroamphetamine is the dextrorotary stereoisomer of the amphetamine molecule, which can take two different forms. It is a slightly polar, weak base and is lipophilic.
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| Indication |
Used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). |
| Pharmacology |
Amphetamines such as dextroamphetamine are noncatecholamine, sympathomimetic amines with CNS stimulant activity. Peripheral actions include elevations of systolic and diastolic blood pressures and weak bronchodilator and respiratory stimulant action. There is neither specific evidence that clearly establishes the mechanism whereby amphetamines produce mental and behavioral effects in children, nor conclusive evidence regarding how these effects relate to the condition of the central nervous system. |
| Toxicity |
In rats, the oral LD50 of dextroamphetamine sulfate is 96.8 mg/kg. Manifestations of acute overdosage with amphetamines include restlessness, tremor, hyperreflexia, rhabdomyolysis, rapid respiration, hyperpyrexia, confusion, assaultiveness, hallucinations, panic states. Fatigue and depression usually follow the central stimulation. Cardiovascular effects include arrhythmias, hypertension or hypotension, and circulatory collapse. Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Fatal poisoning is usually preceded by convulsions and coma. |
| Affected Organisms |
| • |
Humans and other mammals |
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| Biotransformation |
Hepatic. |
| Absorption |
Oral bioavailability is over 75%. |
| Half Life |
10-28 hours (average is approximately 12 hours) |
| References |
| • |
Yamada H, Baba T, Hirata Y, Oguri K, Yoshimura H: Studies on N-demethylation of methamphetamine by liver microsomes of guinea-pigs and rats: the role of flavin-containing mono-oxygenase and cytochrome P-450 systems. Xenobiotica. 1984 Nov;14(11):861-6.
[Pubmed]
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Warneke L: Psychostimulants in psychiatry. Can J Psychiatry. 1990 Feb;35(1):3-10.
[Pubmed]
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Wagner GJ, Rabkin R: Effects of dextroamphetamine on depression and fatigue in men with HIV: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Psychiatry. 2000 Jun;61(6):436-40.
[Pubmed]
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| • |
Martinsson L, Yang X, Beck O, Wahlgren NG, Eksborg S: Pharmacokinetics of dexamphetamine in acute stroke. Clin Neuropharmacol. 2003 Sep-Oct;26(5):270-6.
[Pubmed]
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| • |
Butefisch CM, Davis BC, Sawaki L, Waldvogel D, Classen J, Kopylev L, Cohen LG: Modulation of use-dependent plasticity by d-amphetamine. Ann Neurol. 2002 Jan;51(1):59-68.
[Pubmed]
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