Levomethamphetamine: Difference between revisions

Levomethamphetamine

File:S-enantiomer-meth.png
Clinical data
Routes of administration	Nasal Inhalation
ATC code	N06BA03 (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status	OTC
Pharmacokinetic data
Metabolism	Hepatic
Excretion	Renal
Identifiers
IUPAC name (R)-N-methyl-1-phenyl-propan-2-amine
CAS Number	537-46-2
PubChem CID	1206
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID30187474
ECHA InfoCard	100.046.974
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C10H15N
Molar mass	149.2 g·mol−1

Levmetamfetamine (other names: l-desoxyephedrine, l-methamphetamine, levo-methamphetamine) is the l- stereoisomer of methamphetamine, a sympathomimetic vasoconstrictor which may be used in over-the-counter nasal decongestants. The common brand-name for levmetamfetamine in the U.S. is the Vicks Inhaler. The name was converted to levmetamfetamine, from levo-methamphetamine to lower the risks of abuse of this chemical. Although sometimes called levo-desoxyephedrine, ephedrine is also well known, both as a stimulant and as a precursor to methamphetamine and methcathinone.

L-methamphetamine alone can raise blood pressure and cause the heart to beat rapidly due to its effects mimicking the sympathetic nervous system, but is not thought to be nearly as addictive or centrally active as the d- isomer of methamphetamine. Its common side effects include muscle tremors and stomach cramps. Furthermore, by ingesting the cotton contents inside the inhaler, one also ingests menthol and camphor, both analgesics lethal at high doses