The Clinical Pharmacology of Intranasal l-Methamphetamine
2008

The Clinical Pharmacology of Intranasal l-Methamphetamine

Sample size: 12 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Mendelson John E, McGlothlin Dana, Harris Debra S, Foster Elyse, Everhart Tom, Jacob Peyton III, Jones Reese T

Primary Institution: Addiction Pharmacology Research Laboratory, The California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute

Hypothesis

What are the pharmacological effects of l-methamphetamine when used as a nasal decongestant?

Conclusion

Inhaled l-methamphetamine delivered from a non-prescription product produced minimal effects but may be a cardiodepressant.

Supporting Evidence

  • Plasma l-methamphetamine levels were often below the level of quantification.
  • Physiological changes were minimal and not dose-dependent.
  • Small decreases in stroke volume and cardiac output suggesting mild cardiodepression were seen.

Takeaway

This study looked at how a nasal spray containing l-methamphetamine affects the heart and body, and found it doesn't do much, even at higher doses.

Methodology

Twelve subjects self-administered l-methamphetamine from a nonprescription inhaler at various doses, and physiological, cardiovascular, pharmacokinetic, and subjective effects were measured.

Potential Biases

Normotensive subjects may not represent the effects in hypertensive individuals.

Limitations

The lack of a placebo limits the ability to assess the importance of the small increases in blood pressure seen.

Participant Demographics

Twelve normotensive subjects aged 28 to 51 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = 0.02

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6904-8-4

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