Home Drug Guide Methamphetamine Hydrochloride

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Methamphetamine Hydrochloride

Brand Names Desoxyn, Methampex

Classification

Therapeutic: Central Nervous System Stimulant

Pharmacological: Sympathomimetic amine

FDA Approved Indications

  • ADHD in children and adults
  • Narcolepsy

Mechanism of Action

Methamphetamine increases the release and blocks the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the central nervous system, leading to increased alertness, focus, and euphoria.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: 10-25 mg per day divided into 2-3 doses; maximum 60 mg/day

Pediatric: Not approved for children under 6; for children 6-12, doses are individualized based on response and tolerability

Geriatric: Use with caution due to cardiovascular risks

Renal Impairment: Adjust dose based on clinical response and tolerability

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; no specific adjustments established

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed orally

Distribution: Crosses the blood-brain barrier and placental barrier

Metabolism: Primarily metabolized in the liver via CYP2D6

Excretion: Renal, in unchanged form and as metabolites

Half Life: 10-12 hours, varies with individual

Contraindications

  • History of hypersensitivity to methamphetamine or other sympathomimetics
  • Severe agitation, cardiovascular disease, advanced arteriosclerosis
  • Use with MAO inhibitors within 14 days

Precautions

  • History of substance abuse, psychiatric disorders, hypertension, tachyarrhythmias, or history of seizures

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Dry mouth (Common)
  • Anxiety (Common)
  • Insomnia (Common)
  • Increased heart rate (Common)
  • Weight loss (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Cardiovascular events (e.g., hypertension, arrhythmias, stroke) (Serious but less common)
  • Psychosis or paranoia (Less common)
  • Seizures (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (risk of hypertensive crisis)
  • Other CNS stimulants (additive effects)
  • SSRIs and SNRIs (risk of serotonin syndrome)

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor mental status, cardiac vital signs, growth in pediatric patients

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for hypertension
  • Risk for substance abuse
  • Impaired sleep pattern

Implementation: Administer doses as prescribed, monitor blood pressure, assess for adverse effects, educate patient about potential for dependence

Evaluation: Evaluate effectiveness in terms of increased attention, decreased impulsivity, and side effect profile

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication exactly as prescribed, do not increase dose without consulting provider
  • Be aware of potential for dependence and abuse
  • Report chest pain, palpitations, or psychiatric symptoms immediately
  • Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Potential for abuse and dependence
  • Serious cardiovascular events
  • Psychiatric adverse effects

Genetic Factors: None specified

Lab Test Interference: None known

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe agitation, hyperthermia, hypertension or hypotension, hallucinations, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, coma

Treatment: Supportive care, benzodiazepines for agitation, cooling measures for hyperthermia, antihypertensives if needed, gastric lavage if early, activated charcoal, and symptomatic treatment

Storage and Handling

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

Stability: Stable for 2-3 years when stored properly

🛡️ 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.