Dextroamphetamine Sulfate(dex troe am fet’ a meen)
Dexedrine SpansuleDNC
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE C-II
Drug Classes
Amphetamine
CNS stimulant
Therapeutic Actions
Acts in the CNS to release norepinephrine from nerve terminals; in higher doses also releases dopamine; suppresses appetite; increases alertness, elevates mood; often improves physical performance, especially when fatigue and sleep deprivation have caused impairment; efficacy in hyperkinetic syndrome, ADHD in children appears paradoxical and is not understood.
Indications
Narcolepsy
Adjunct therapy for abnormal behavioral syndrome in children and adults (ADHD, hyperkinetic syndrome) that includes psychological, social, educational measures
Unlabeled uses: Cocaine-dependence treatment, autism, traumatic brain injury
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, tartrazine (DextroStat); advanced arteriosclerosis, symptomatic CV disease, moderate to severe hypertension, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, agitated states.
Use cautiously with history of drug abuse; pregnancy; lactation.
Available Forms
Tablets—5, 10 mg; ER capsulesDNC—5, 10, 15 mg; oral solution—5 mg/mL
Dosages
Adults
Narcolepsy: Start with 10 mg/day PO in divided doses; increase in increments of 10 mg/day at weekly intervals. If insomnia or anorexia occurs, reduce dose. Usual dosage is 5–60 mg/day PO in divided doses. Give first dose on awakening, additional doses (one or two) every 4–6 hr; long-acting forms can be given once a day.
ADHD: 5 mg PO once or twice daily; may be increased at rate of 5 mg weekly to maximum dose of 40 mg/day.
Pediatric patients
Narcolepsy:
6–12 yr: Condition is rare in children younger than 12 yr; when it does occur, initial dose is 5 mg/day PO. Increase in increments of 5 mg at weekly intervals until optimal response is obtained.
12 yr and older: Use adult dosage.
ADHD:
Younger than 3 yr: Not recommended.
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