Formula C9NH13 | Molar mass 135.2062 g/mol | |
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How to pronounce levoamphetamine
Levoamphetamine, also known as levamfetamine (INN), (R)-amphetamine, (−)-amphetamine, and -amphetamine, is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant known to increase wakefulness and concentration in association with decreased appetite and fatigue. Pharmaceuticals that contain levoamphetamine are currently indicated and prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obesity, and narcolepsy in some countries.
Contents
Levoamphetamine is the levorotatory stereoisomer of the amphetamine molecule.
Chemistry
Levoamphetamine is the levorotary stereoisomer of the amphetamine molecule. Racemic amphetamine contains two optical isomers, dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine.
Racemic amphetamine
The first patented amphetamine brand, Benzedrine, was a racemic (i.e., equal parts) mixture of the freebases or sulfate salts of both amphetamine enantiomers (levoamphetamine and dextroamphetamine) that was introduced in the United States in 1934 as an inhaler for treating nasal congestion. It was later realized that the amphetamine enantiomers could treat obesity, narcolepsy, and ADHD. Because of the greater central nervous system effect of the dextro enantiomer, sold as Dexedrine, prescription of the Benzedrine brand fell and was eventually discontinued. However, in 2012 racemic amphetamine sulfate was reintroduced as the Evekeo brandname.
Adderall
Adderall is an amphetamine pharmaceutical that contains 25% levoamphetamine salts.
Evekeo
Evekeo is an amphetamine medication FDA approved as therapeutic equivalent that contains 50% levoamphetamine sulfate. It is approved for narcolepsy, ADHD and exogenous obesity.
Others
Products using amphetamine base are now marketed. Dyanevel XR, a liquid suspension form became available in 2015, and contains about 24% levoamphetamine. Adzenys XR, an orally dissolving tablet came to market in 2016 and contains 25% levoamphetamine.
L-Amphetamine succinate was sold in Hungary between 1952 and 1955 under the brand name Cydril.