| Amphetamine Pharmacology |
| Amphetamine |
| About Amphetamine |
| Sympathomimetic agent, Phenethylamine derivative, Appetite suppressant, a psychostimulant. |
| Mechanism of Action of Amphetamine |
| Amphetamine is a sympathomimetic amine with CNS stimulant activity. It primarily acts in the cerebral cortex and reticuloendothelial system. Amphetamines block the reuptake of Norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron and increase the release of these monoamines into the extra neuronal space.It releases Norepinephrine and promotes nerve impulse transmission.At high doses effects are mediated by Dopamine. |
| Pharmacokinets of Amphetamine |
| Absorption:It is completely absorbed after oral administration.Distribution:It is distributed widely in the body.Metabolism:It is metabolized in the liver.Excretion:It is excreted in the urine. |
| Onset of Action for Amphetamine |
| N/A |
| Duration of Action for Amphetamine |
| 4 – 24 hour |
| Half Life of Amphetamine |
| N/A |
| Side Effects of Amphetamine |
| 1.Restlessness 2.Diarrhoea 3.Dry mouth 4.Constipation 5.Tachycardia 6.Palpitation 7.Insomnia 8.Hypertension 9.Tremor 10.Urticaria 11.Impotence |
| Contra-indications of Amphetamine |
| 1.Hypersensitivity to Amphetamine 2.Cardiovascular disease 3.Hyperthyroidism 4.Hypertension 5.Glaucoma 6.Arteriosclerosis 7.Patient on MAO therapy |
| Special Precautions while taking Amphetamine |
| 1.Hyperexcitable patients 2.Patient with suicidal tendencies |
| Pregnancy Related Information |
| Contraindicated |
| Old Age Related Information |
| Use with caution |
| Breast Feeding Related Information |
| N/A |
| Children Related Information |
| Children: Below 12 years: Contraindicated |
| Indications for Amphetamine |
| 1.Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity 2.Narcolepsy |
| Interactions for Amphetamine |
| N/A |
| Typical Dosage for Amphetamine |
| Adult: Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity: 5mg/day, dose can be increased by 5mg every week up to 60mg/day until desired response is attained Narcolepsy: 10mg/day, dose can be increased by 10mg every week upto 60mg/day until desired response is attained Children: Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity: Above 5 years: 5mg/day,dose can be increased by 5mg every week up to 40mg/day 3 – 5years: 2.5mg/day, dose can be increased by 2.5mg weekly until desired response is achieved Narcolepsy: Children above 12 years: 10mg/day and dose can be increased by 10mg weekly until sufficient response is achieved Children 6 – 12 years: 5mg/day and dose can be increased by 5mg weekly until sufficient response is achieved |
| Schedule of Amphetamine |
| X |
| Storage Requirements for Amphetamine |
| Store at 15 – 30 degree C. Keep out of the reach of children |
| Effects of Missed Dosage of Amphetamine |
| Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time to take the next dose then skip the missed dose. |
| Effects of Overdose of Amphetamine |
| Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. Gastric lavage can be done if the ingestion is recent. Haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis can be done if needed. |