Home Drug Guide Dextroamphetamine

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Dextroamphetamine

Brand Names Xelstrym

Classification

Therapeutic: Central Nervous System stimulant, ADHD agent

Pharmacological: Sympathomimetic amine

FDA Approved Indications

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Narcolepsy

Mechanism of Action

Dextroamphetamine increases the release of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, leading to enhanced neurotransmission, which results in increased alertness, attention, and focus.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Initial dose typically 12.3 mg once daily in the morning, titrated as needed. Max dose varies based on clinical response.

Pediatric: Starting dose varies by age, generally 5-10 mg daily, titrated to effect; maximum doses depend on patient response.

Geriatric: Use with caution; lower doses recommended due to increased sensitivity and comorbidities.

Renal Impairment: Adjust dose based on severity; close monitoring required.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dose adjustment established.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the GI tract.

Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues, crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Metabolism: Minimal hepatic metabolism; primarily excreted unchanged in urine.

Excretion: Renal excretion, highly pH-dependent.

Half Life: Approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Contraindications

  • History of hypersensitivity to amphetamines or other stimulants.
  • Advanced arteriosclerosis.
  • Symptomatic cardiovascular disease.
  • Moderate to severe hypertension.
  • Hyperthyroidism.
  • History of drug dependence.
  • Glaucoma.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with a history of mental health disorders, substance abuse, or cardiovascular issues.
  • Monitor for signs of exacerbation of psychiatric conditions, such as agitation or psychosis.
  • Potential for abuse and dependence.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Anxiety, restlessness (Common)
  • Insomnia (Common)
  • Loss of appetite (Common)
  • Dry mouth (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Cardiovascular risks (hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmias) (Serious and less common)
  • Psychiatric effects (paranoia, hallucinations, new or worsened psychosis) (Serious and less common)
  • Potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction (Serious)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (risk of hypertensive crisis)
  • Other sympathomimetics (additive effects)
  • Serotonergic drugs (risk of serotonin syndrome)

Drug-Food Interactions

  • Avoid acidic foods and beverages which may increase the excretion of the drug, reducing efficacy.

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • Potential interactions with St. John's Wort and other serotonergic herbs.

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor cardiovascular status, mental health, growth in children, and potential signs of abuse.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk of impaired cardiovascular function
  • Risk for medication dependence

Implementation: Administer in the morning to reduce insomnia. Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and mental health.

Evaluation: Assess therapeutic response and side effects regularly.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
  • Report any chest pain, palpitations, or mental health changes.
  • Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.
  • Do not abruptly stop medication without consulting provider.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Potential for abuse and dependence.
  • Serious cardiovascular events.

Genetic Factors: Variable response based on genetic factors affecting metabolism.

Lab Test Interference: May affect growth measurements in children; monitor accordingly.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Restlessness, tremors, hyperreflexia, hallucinations, seizures, rapid heartbeat, hypertension, agitation, panic, hallucinations, diarrhea, fever.

Treatment: Supportive care, activated charcoal if recent ingestion, benzodiazepines for agitation and seizures, cardiovascular support as needed.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.