Methamphetamine HCl (Desoxyephedrine HCl)

A to Z Drug Facts

Methamphetamine HCl (Desoxyephedrine HCl)

  Action
  Indications
  Contraindications
  Route/Dosage
  Interactions
  Lab Test Interferences
  Adverse Reactions
  Precautions
Patient Care Considerations
  Administration/Storage
  Assessment/Interventions
  Patient/Family Education


(meth-am-FET-uh-meen HIGH-droe-KLOR-ide)
Desoxyn, Desoxyn Gradumets
Class: CNS stimulant/amphetamine

 Action Activates noradrenergic neurons causing CNS and respiratory stimulation; timulates the satiety center in the brain causing appetite suppression.

 Indications Treatment of attention deficit disorder in children; short-term exogenous obesity adjunct.

 Contraindications Advanced arteriosclerosis; symptomatic cardiovascular disease; moderate to severe hypertension; hyperthyroidism; hypersensitivity to sympathomimetic amines; glaucoma; agitated states; history of drug abuse. Drug should not be used concomitantly with or within 14 days of MAO inhibitor use.

 Route/Dosage

Attention Deficit Disorder

CHILDREN: PO 5 mg 1–2 times/day; may be increased weekly by 5 mg to maximum of 20–25 mg/day in divided doses. Long-acting form: Once daily.

Exogenous Obesity

ADULTS & CHILDREN > 12 YR: PO 5 mg 1–3 times/day 30 min before meals. Long-acting form: 10–15 mg in AM. Not to be used beyond a few weeks.

 Interactions

Guanethidine: Amphetamines may decrease effectiveness. MAO inhibitors, furazolidone: Hypertensive crisis and intracranial hemorrhage may occur. Tricyclic antidepressants: Decreased amphetamine effect. Urinary acidifiers: Decreased amphetamine levels. Urinary alkalinizers: Increased amphetamine levels.

 Lab Test Interferences Plasma and urinary steroid levels may be altered.

 Adverse Reactions

CV: Palpitations; tachycardia; hypertension; arrhythmias. CNS: Hyperactivity; dizziness; insomnia; euphoria; restlessness; tremors; eadache. GI: Dry mouth; unpleasant taste; diarrhea; constipation; anorexia. GU: Impotence. DERM: Urticaria.

 Precautions

Pregnancy: Category C. Lactation: Excreted in breast milk. Children: Not recommended as anorectic agent in children < 12 yr. Drug dependence: Has high potential for dependence and abuse. Tolerance may occur; recommended dose should not be exceeded. Tartrazine sensitivity: Some products contain tartrazine, which may cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.


PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS


 Administration/Storage

 Assessment/Interventions

OVERDOSAGE: SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
  Restlessness, tremor, hyperreflexia, rapid respiration, confusion, assaultiveness, hallucinations, panic attack, hyperpyrexia

 Patient/Family Education

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Copyright
© 2003 Facts and Comparisons
David S. Tatro
A to Z Drug Facts