| Item |
Information |
|
Drug Groups
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illicit; approved |
|
Description
|
A sympathomimetic agent with properties similar to dextroamphetamine. It is used in the treatment of obesity. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p1222) |
| Indication |
For the management of exogenous obesity as a short term adjunct (a few weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction |
| Pharmacology |
Benzphetamine, a phenylalkylamin, is related to amphetamine both chemically and pharmacologically. It is an anorectic agent indicated in the management of exogenous obesity as a short term adjunct (a few weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction. Benzphetamine is a sympathomimetic amine with pharmacologic activity similar to the prototype drugs of this class used in obesity, the amphetamines. Actions include central nervous system stimulation and elevation of blood pressure. Tachyphylaxis and tolerance have been demonstrated with all drugs of this class in which these phenomena have been looked for. |
| Toxicity |
LD50=160 mg/kg (orally in rats). Acute overdosage may result in restlessness, tremor, tachypnea, confusion, assaultiveness, and panic states. |
| Affected Organisms |
| • |
Humans and other mammals |
|
| Biotransformation |
Hepatic. Benzphetamine's metabolites include amphetamine and methamphetamine. |
| Absorption |
Readily absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract and buccal mucosa. It Is resistant to metabolism by monoamine oxidase. |
| Half Life |
16 to 31 hours |
| Protein Binding |
75-99% |
| External Links |
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