Propylhexedrine 1101054 223251793 2008-07-03T07:09:54Z C6541 6629538 /* Recreational use */ {{drugbox | |image = Propylhexedrine.svg |IUPAC_name = ''N'',α-dimethyl-cyclohexylethylamine |CAS_number = 3595-11-7 | ATC_prefix= ? | ATC_suffix= ? | ATC_supplemental = ? | PubChem= 7558 | DrugBank= ? | C=10 | H=21 | N=1 |molecular_weight = 155.29 g/mol |bioavailability = ? |metabolism = ? |elimination_half-life = ? |excretion = ? |pregnancy_category = C |legal_status = Unscheduled (US Federal)<br>Schedule varies (US States)<br>Schedule V ([[Controlled Drugs and Substances Act|Canada]] Exempted from the application of the CDSA |routes_of_administration = Nasal inhaler }} '''Propylhexedrine''', also known as hexahydrodesoxyephedrine or dimethylcyclohexaneethanamine, is a [[sympathomimetic]] with varied medicinal uses, is an [[adrenergic]] compound used mainly to provide temporary [[symptomatic]] relief of nasal congestion due to [[common cold|colds]], [[allergy|allergies]] and allergic [[rhinitis]]. Being a [[vasoconstrictor]] used to decongest nasal mucosa, it is administered by [[inhalation]]. Propylhexedrine is most commonly found in [[Over-the-counter substance|over the counter]] '''Benzedrex''' inhalers and is similar to [[norepinephrine]] and [[epinephrine]] [http://www.medications.com/drugs/benzedrex]. Benzedrex was first manufactured by [[Smith, Kline and French]] after the [[Benzedrine]] inhaler which contained [[amphetamine]], became unavailable after the placement of amphetamines on Schedule II status (highest abuse potential of all legal drugs). <!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Benzedrex.jpg|thumb|left|Benzedrex inhaler packaging]] --> ==Recreational use== These inhalers have been occasionally used by people for their [[stimulant]] effects which are believed by some to be similar to [[methamphetamine]]. This is done by removing the cotton rod from the inhaler and putting it in capsules, mixing it with soda or some other drink, and some occasionally swallow it. Each cotton contains 250&nbsp;[[Kilogram#SI multiples|mg]] (quarter-gram) of propylhexedrine. An equally potent alternate method is soaking the cotton rod in mild solution of [[ascorbic acid]], otherwise known as Vitamin C, or [[citric acid]], thereby forming a solution of active propylhexderine salt (for e.g. propylhexedrine citrate). Propylhexedrine is of significantly less risk of being used recreationally than amphetamines. This is primarily because propylhexedrine has limited methods of use, unlike amphetamines. The abuse potential is low enough that neither the [[Drug Enforcement Administration|DEA]] nor the [[WHO]] consider it a drug of concern, unlike [[ephedrine]] or its salts. However, attempts to extract the drug from the nasal inhaler and then inject it have been known. Abuse by injection is dangerous and could result in death, which has been recorded.<ref>{{cite journal | title=Proposed Rules | journal=Federal Register | volume=50 | issue=10 | pages=2226 – 2227}}</ref> <ref>{{cite court | litigants= Prince v. Ascher | vol=90 | reporter=P.3d | opinion=1020 | Court=OK CIV APP| date=2004}}</ref> As with similar drugs, using propylhexedrine to keep oneself awake for extended amounts of time can lead to a temporary state of [[sleep deprivation]] possibly similar to an [[amphetamine psychosis]] during which an individual may experience [[hallucinations]] of all kinds as well as extreme [[paranoia]], all common effects associated with sleep deprivation. The most sought-after effect is a general state of well-being and happiness associated with stimulants. The effects vary from person to person. Many people suffer adverse effects after using the drug, feeling sick and [[nausea]]ted. It is a [[vasoconstrictor]], so ingestion can cause nausea and serious gastrointestinal issues, though the majority of the adverse effects are assumed to occur due to the cotton and what users call '[[menthol]] burps'. Propylhexedrine has strong physical effects as well as it's mental effects, propylhexedrine can raise [[blood pressure]] and [[heart rate]] significantly and individuals that are currently on stimulants (prescription or not), taking an [[MAOI]] or have high blood pressure or otherwise cardiac problems should avoid propylhexedrine for recreational use. As with similar stimulants, it is possible to overdose on the substance and extremely unwise to combine with any other drug that raises blood pressure. Eating cotton for any reason is not at all a healthy practice, and though not necessarily fatal, can still lead to severe [[gastrointestinal]] problems, which may require medical attention. Gastric blockages and even internal infection can occur if too much cotton is routinely ingested in a short space of time. On a less serious note, cramps, gas, and temporary constipation can also occur. ==Chemistry== Propylhexedrine is structurally similar to [[methamphetamine]]. The only difference is that the [[phenyl]] group of the methamphetamine molecule is swapped with a [[cyclohexane|cyclohexyl]] group. It is because of this that propylhexedrine is not an amphetamine, nor even a [[phenethylamine]]. It is most like [[methamphetamine]] in terms that it contains a [[methyl]] (CH<sub>3</sub>) group in positions Rα and RN. ==See also== *[[amphetamine]] *[[cyclopentamine]] *[[methamphetamine]] *[[ephedrine]] *[[phenyl]] vs. [[cyclohexyl]] *[[phenethylamine]] *[[Benzedrine]] == Notes == {{Reflist}} {{stimulants}} [[Category:Stimulants]] [[de:Propylhexedrin]] [[pl:propylheksedryna]]