Module 2: Basic Pharmacology of Controlled Drugs and Substances
Lesson 1
Psychostimulants/amphetamines – Indications
| Common Indications, Dosage and Route of Stimulants | ||
|---|---|---|
| Drug | Indication | Dosage |
| Dexamphetamine | ADHD, narcolepsy, exogenous obesity | Adult: 10 mg PO daily, may increase by 10 mg increments q week to max of 30 mg/day. Give individual doses at 4-6 h intervals
Children: Ages >5 years give 5 mg 1-2 times/day, may increase in 5 mg increments weekly to maximum of 40 mg/day, usual range 0.1 mg-0.5 mg/kg/day |
| Methamphetamine | ADHD, narcolepsy, exogenous obesity | Adults and children >12 years give 5 mg 1-2 times/day, may increase at 5 mg increments weekly to max of 25mg/day, may be twice daily dosing or SR once daily. SR dose is 10-15 mg in morning. |
| Methylphenidate | ADHD, narcolepsy | Adults: 20-30 mg/day in 2-3 divided doses to max of 60 mg/day
Children >6 years give 5 mg bid with increase of 5 mg increments at weekly intervals to max of 60 mg/day. Stop drug if no improvement in 4 weeks. All ages: SR tabs taken in morning may be supplemented with afternoon regular tablets if needed. If insomnia is present give regular tablet no later than 6 pm. |
Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA), 2010, 2016; Edmunds & Mayhew, 2014.
References:
- Canadian Pharmacists Association. (2014). E-Therapeutics. Ottawa: Author.
- Edmunds, M.W. & Mayhew, M.S. (2014). Pharmacology for the Primary Care Provider (4th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby