Amphetamine-type medicines: a review of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicological aspects

Curr Clin Pharmacol. 2013 Nov;8(4):350-7. doi: 10.2174/15748847113089990052.

Abstract

Amphetamine-like drugs are sympathomimetic agents with marked central and peripheral stimulant properties. Despite the street illegal drugs such as amphetamine and ecstasy, some amphetamine-like compounds are also legally marketed under medical prescription in the treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (methylphenidate) and obesity/overweight (fenproporex and diethylpropione). However, similar with what happens with their illicit analogues, therapeutic amphetamine-like drugs also share important toxicological risks. Although methylphenidate is considered the first choice in the treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, its high popularity among teenagers and children is raising concern in the medical community. Regarding weight-loss purposes, the use of amphetamine-like compounds are very controversial, though. Thus, the present review will address pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and toxicological aspects of amphetamine-like compounds used with therapeutic aims.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Amphetamines / adverse effects
  • Amphetamines / pharmacokinetics
  • Amphetamines / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Appetite Depressants / adverse effects
  • Appetite Depressants / pharmacokinetics
  • Appetite Depressants / pharmacology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / adverse effects
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / pharmacokinetics
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / pharmacology*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs / adverse effects
  • Illicit Drugs / pharmacokinetics
  • Illicit Drugs / pharmacology
  • Obesity / drug therapy

Substances

  • Amphetamines
  • Appetite Depressants
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Illicit Drugs