Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat, Oxydess II, Spancap #1)

Category:

  • CNS Stimulant

Description:

  • Amphetamine derivative (DEA schedule II)

Indications:

  • Narcolepsy

  • Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivitiy

Contraindications:

  • Hyperthyroidism, hypertension, glaucoma, drug abuse

  • Cardiovascular disease, anxiety, within 14 days of taking MAOI’s

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy category C; excreted into breast milk

  • Tourette syndrome, child <3 years

  • (AMPHETAMINES have high abuse potential)

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • CNS: addiction, agressiveness, chills, dependence, dizziness, dysphoria, headache, hyperactivity, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, stimulation, talkativeness, tremor

  • CV: cardiomyopathy, decrease in heart rate, dysrhythmias, hypertension, palpitations, tachycardia

  • GI: anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, metallic taste, weight loss

  • GU: change in libido, impotence

  • SKIN: urticaria

Dosage:

Administered orally

  • Adult:            

    • Narcolepsy: PO 5-60mg daily in divided doses

  • Child > 12 years: 

    • Narcolepsy: PO 10mg daily increasing by 10mg once daily at weekly intervals

      • 6-12 years: PO 5mg once daily increasing by 5mg weekly (max 60mg daily)

    • Attention Deficit Disorder: 

      • Age >6 years PO 5mg 1-2 times daily increasing by 5mg a day at weekly intervals

      • age 3-6 years PO 2.5mg daily increasing by 2.5mg per day at weekly intervals (max dose 40mg daily)

  • Sustained release forms may be used for once daily dosage

Drug interactions:

  • MAOI’s: severe hypertensive reactions possible

  • Selegiline: severe hypertensive reactions possible

  • Sodium bicarbonate: may inhibit excretion of dextroamphetamine

  • Guanadrel, Guanehidine: antihypertensive effect inhibited by dextroamphetamine

Special considerations:

  • Do not crush or chew the sustained release dosage forms

  • Avoid OTC preparations unless approved by clinician

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300  


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