DL-Methylephedrine

Identification

Generic Name
DL-Methylephedrine
DrugBank Accession Number
DB11278
Background

Methylephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine that appears in various over-the-counter cough and cold medications throughout the world 9, 10, 11. The abuse of methylephedrine-containing medications has been reported in Japan. Methylephedrine is not legally available in the United States, but has been identified in cases of drug abuse 7.

Type
Small Molecule
Groups
Approved
Structure
Weight
Average: 179.263
Monoisotopic: 179.131014171
Chemical Formula
C11H17NO
Synonyms
  • (+/-)-Methylephedrine
  • (+/-)-N-methylephedrine
  • Methylephedrine, (+/-)-
  • Methylephedrine, DL-
  • N-methylephedrine DL-form

Pharmacology

Indication

Used as an antitussive and decongestant 5.

Reduce drug development failure rates
Build, train, & validate machine-learning models
with evidence-based and structured datasets.
See how
Build, train, & validate predictive machine-learning models with structured datasets.
See how
Associated Conditions
Indication TypeIndicationCombined Product DetailsApproval LevelAge GroupPatient CharacteristicsDose Form
Symptomatic treatment ofFever••• •••
Symptomatic treatment ofGeneralised muscle aches••• •••
Symptomatic treatment ofHeadache••• •••
Symptomatic treatment ofIrritative cough••• •••
Symptomatic treatment ofNasal congestion••• •••
Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings
Prevent Adverse Drug Events Today
Tap into our Clinical API for life-saving information on contraindications & blackbox warnings, population restrictions, harmful risks, & more.
Learn more
Avoid life-threatening adverse drug events with our Clinical API
Learn more
Pharmacodynamics

This drugs acts as an antitussive, bronchodilator, and adrenergic receptor agonist 5. It stimulates the alpha and beta adrenergic receptors, relieving cough and congestion 5.

As with other adrenomimetic amines, the drugs in this class are much less potent than norepinephrine itself. Members of this class of drugs increase both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, cardiac contractility, and cardiac output; in general, however, they do not increase heart rate. Bronchial smooth muscle relaxation of prolonged duration occurs, and pupils dilate 7.

Mechanism of action

The pharmacology of methylephedrine is similar to that of other members of the ephedra alkaloid class of drugs. These compounds are sympathomimetic amines because they mimic the effects of the catecholamines on the sympathetic nervous system. These alkaloids permeate the blood-brain barrier and have a direct central nervous system stimulant effect with peripheral effects; the peripheral effects are indirect and primarily mediated by norepinephrine release 7.

Methylephedrine expands the bronchia by relaxing the bronchial muscles 15.

The decrease in urination with sympathomimetic use is increased through activation of the alpha-adrenoceptors of the smooth muscles of the bladder 15.

TargetActionsOrganism
ABeta-1 adrenergic receptor
agonist
Humans
AAlpha-2A adrenergic receptor
agonist
Humans
AAlpha adrenergic receptor
agonist
Humans
ABeta adrenergic receptor
agonist
Humans
Absorption

Methylephedrine is rapidly absorbed following oral administration 7. Peak plasma concentrations of ephedrine (from which methylephedrine is derived) occur 2-3h after administration 3. Due to the fact that methylephedrine is a derivative of ephedrine 12, peak plasma concentrations are likely similar.

Volume of distribution

Ephedrine: 2.5-3.0 L/kg 3. Methylephedrine is a derivative of ephedrine 12 and quickly distributed throughout the body 15.

Protein binding

Not Available

Metabolism

Methylephedrine is metabolized to give ephedrine and norephedrine 15.

Route of elimination

The primary compound excreted in urine is unchanged methylephedrine (33-40% of dose), followed by the metabolite methylephedrine-N-oxide (15% of dose), and approximately 8% of the dose excreted as ephedrine after 24 hours. About 70% of the dose is excreted in the urine as metabolites over 72 hours 7.

Alkaline urine reduces elimination to 20-35% of the dose 15.

Half-life

3-6 hours (Ephedrine) 15.

Clearance

Not Available

Adverse Effects
Improve decision support & research outcomes
With structured adverse effects data, including: blackbox warnings, adverse reactions, warning & precautions, & incidence rates. View sample adverse effects data in our new Data Library!
See the data
Improve decision support & research outcomes with our structured adverse effects data.
See a data sample
Toxicity

Ld50 mouse (intraperitoneal): 185mg/kg 6.

Sympathomimetic drugs, such as DL-methylphedrine, can lead to an increase in catecholamines, resulting in a variety of effects 2, 13:

Nervous System/CNS/Psychiatric

Insomnia, Headaches, Seizure, Cerebrovascular Accident, Nervousness, Tremor or other motor disturbance, Psychosis with long-term, chronic use 15

Cardiovascular System Hypertension, Cardiac arrhythmia, Myocardial Infarction, Hypersensitivity Myocarditis

Renal System Nephrolithiasis

General Predisposition to Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke, Hyperglycemia, Glaucoma

The Japanese Ministry of Health made a statement in July 2017 that preparations containing this drug should not be used in children younger than 12 years old (who are highly susceptible to respiratory depression. Overseas, there have been reports that the risk of serious respiratory depression, including death, is high in children younger than 12 years old) 14.

Pathways
Not Available
Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs
Not Available

Interactions

Drug Interactions
This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.
DrugInteraction
AbacavirAbacavir may decrease the excretion rate of DL-Methylephedrine which could result in a higher serum level.
AcebutololThe therapeutic efficacy of DL-Methylephedrine can be decreased when used in combination with Acebutolol.
AceclofenacThe risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Aceclofenac is combined with DL-Methylephedrine.
AcemetacinThe risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when DL-Methylephedrine is combined with Acemetacin.
AcetazolamideAcetazolamide may increase the excretion rate of DL-Methylephedrine which could result in a lower serum level and potentially a reduction in efficacy.
Food Interactions
No interactions found.

Products

Drug product information from 10+ global regions
Our datasets provide approved product information including:
dosage, form, labeller, route of administration, and marketing period.
Access now
Access drug product information from over 10 global regions.
Access now
Product Ingredients
IngredientUNIICASInChI Key
DL-Methylephedrine hydrochloride99214P83XM18760-80-0NTCYWJCEOILKNG-ROLPUNSJSA-N
International/Other Brands
DL-Methylephedrine HCl (Fu Yuan) / dl-Methylephedrine Hydrochloride 10% Maruishi (Maruishi Pharmaceuticals) / dl-Methylephedrine Hydrochloride 10% Metal (Nakakita Yakuhin, Japan) / dl-Methylephedrine Hydrochloride 10% Sankei (Sankei Seiyaku) / dl-Methylephedrine Hydrochloride 10% Sanwa (Sanwa Kagaku) / Methy F (Tanabe Mitsubishi Pharma) / Methylephedrine 10% Fuso (Fuso Pharmaceutical) / Methylhoedrin 10% (Mylan Seiyaku) / Tabellae DL-Methyl (Ying Yuan)
Mixture Products
NameIngredientsDosageRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
Facol Classic OneDL-Methylephedrine hydrochloride (12.5 mg/1) + Acetaminophen (200 mg/1) + Chlorpheniramine maleate (1.25 mg/1) + Cloperastine hydrochloride (8 mg/1) + Guaifenesin (41.6 mg/1) + Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (15 mg/1)CapsuleOralOASIS TRADING2018-11-22Not applicableUS flag
Pancold SDL-Methylephedrine hydrochloride (17.5 mg/30mL) + Acetaminophen (300 mg/30mL) + Caffeine (30 mg/30mL) + Chlorpheniramine (2.5 mg/30mL) + Guaifenesin (83.3 mg/30mL)LiquidOralKafus Co., Ltd2013-01-15Not applicableUS flag
WhitubenDL-Methylephedrine hydrochloride (12.5 mg/1) + Acetaminophen (180 mg/1) + Dextromethorphan hydrobromide monohydrate (8 mg/1) + Guaifenesin (20.84 mg/1) + Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (15 mg/1) + Triprolidine hydrochloride monohydrate (0.66 mg/1)CapsuleOralOASIS TRADING2018-11-22Not applicableUS flag
Unapproved/Other Products
NameIngredientsDosageRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
Facol Classic OneDL-Methylephedrine hydrochloride (12.5 mg/1) + Acetaminophen (200 mg/1) + Chlorpheniramine maleate (1.25 mg/1) + Cloperastine hydrochloride (8 mg/1) + Guaifenesin (41.6 mg/1) + Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (15 mg/1)CapsuleOralOASIS TRADING2018-11-22Not applicableUS flag
WhitubenDL-Methylephedrine hydrochloride (12.5 mg/1) + Acetaminophen (180 mg/1) + Dextromethorphan hydrobromide monohydrate (8 mg/1) + Guaifenesin (20.84 mg/1) + Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (15 mg/1) + Triprolidine hydrochloride monohydrate (0.66 mg/1)CapsuleOralOASIS TRADING2018-11-22Not applicableUS flag

Categories

Drug Categories
Chemical TaxonomyProvided by Classyfire
Description
This compound belongs to the class of organic compounds known as phenylpropanes. These are organic compounds containing a phenylpropane moiety.
Kingdom
Organic compounds
Super Class
Benzenoids
Class
Benzene and substituted derivatives
Sub Class
Phenylpropanes
Direct Parent
Phenylpropanes
Alternative Parents
Aralkylamines / Trialkylamines / Secondary alcohols / 1,2-aminoalcohols / Organopnictogen compounds / Hydrocarbon derivatives / Aromatic alcohols
Substituents
1,2-aminoalcohol / Alcohol / Amine / Aralkylamine / Aromatic alcohol / Aromatic homomonocyclic compound / Hydrocarbon derivative / Organic nitrogen compound / Organic oxygen compound / Organonitrogen compound
Molecular Framework
Aromatic homomonocyclic compounds
External Descriptors
Not Available
Affected organisms
Not Available

Chemical Identifiers

UNII
SHS9PGQ2LS
CAS number
1201-56-5
InChI Key
FMCGSUUBYTWNDP-ONGXEEELSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C11H17NO/c1-9(12(2)3)11(13)10-7-5-4-6-8-10/h4-9,11,13H,1-3H3/t9-,11-/m0/s1
IUPAC Name
(1R,2S)-2-(dimethylamino)-1-phenylpropan-1-ol
SMILES
C[C@@H]([C@H](O)C1=CC=CC=C1)N(C)C

References

General References
  1. Inoue T, Suzuki S: The metabolism of (+-)-methylephedrine in rat and man. Xenobiotica. 1990 Jan;20(1):99-106. doi: 10.3109/00498259009046816. [Article]
  2. Dunnick JK, Kissling G, Gerken DK, Vallant MA, Nyska A: Cardiotoxicity of Ma Huang/caffeine or ephedrine/caffeine in a rodent model system. Toxicol Pathol. 2007 Aug;35(5):657-64. doi: 10.1080/01926230701459978. [Article]
  3. Steven B. Karch, Olaf Drummer (1996). Karch's Pathology of Drug Abuse, Third Edition. CRC Press.
  4. DL-Methylphedrine Hydrochloride [Link]
  5. Methylphedrine, DL, Drugs.com [Link]
  6. NIH Toxnet, DL Methylphedrine [Link]
  7. Methylphedrine concentrations in drug ad urine specimens [Link]
  8. Genome. JP DL-methylphedrine [Link]
  9. Daily Med, Pancold S [Link]
  10. Chlorphenamine/Dihydrocodeine/Guaifenesin/Methylephedrine/dl Uses More: https://www.ndrugs.com/?s=chlorphenamine/dihydrocodeine/guaifenesin/methylephedrine/dl More: https://www.ndrugs.com/?s=chlorphenamine/dihydrocodeine/guaifenesin/methylephedrine/dl [Link]
  11. Tossamin Plus [Link]
  12. Methylphedrine, PubChem [Link]
  13. Family Practice Notebook: Sympathomimetics [Link]
  14. Revision of Precautions Dihydrocodeine phosphate/ dl-Methylephedrine hydrochloride/ Chlorpheniramine maleate [File]
  15. 4-Methylephedrine, EUA [File]
ChemSpider
58315
RxNav
1546444
ChEBI
113556
ChEMBL
CHEMBL445001
ZINC
ZINC000000000491
Wikipedia
Methylephedrine
MSDS
Download (68.6 KB)

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials
PhaseStatusPurposeConditionsCount
Not AvailableCompletedTreatmentPneumonia1

Pharmacoeconomics

Manufacturers
Not Available
Packagers
Not Available
Dosage Forms
FormRouteStrength
CapsuleOral
LiquidOral
Prices
Not Available
Patents
Not Available

Properties

State
Solid
Experimental Properties
PropertyValueSource
melting point (°C)208MSDS
boiling point (°C)251.3https://www.chemsrc.com/en/cas/18760-80-0_1189835.html
logP2.47https://www.chemsrc.com/en/cas/18760-80-0_1189835.html
Predicted Properties
PropertyValueSource
Water Solubility15.4 mg/mLALOGPS
logP1.73ALOGPS
logP1.7Chemaxon
logS-1.1ALOGPS
pKa (Strongest Acidic)13.88Chemaxon
pKa (Strongest Basic)8.86Chemaxon
Physiological Charge1Chemaxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count2Chemaxon
Hydrogen Donor Count1Chemaxon
Polar Surface Area23.47 Å2Chemaxon
Rotatable Bond Count3Chemaxon
Refractivity54.98 m3·mol-1Chemaxon
Polarizability20.55 Å3Chemaxon
Number of Rings1Chemaxon
Bioavailability1Chemaxon
Rule of FiveYesChemaxon
Ghose FilterYesChemaxon
Veber's RuleYesChemaxon
MDDR-like RuleNoChemaxon
Predicted ADMET Features
Not Available

Spectra

Mass Spec (NIST)
Not Available
Spectra
SpectrumSpectrum TypeSplash Key
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positive (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-03xr-1900000000-111e0086f39519af7616
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Negative (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-0a4i-4900000000-642b74a51997f8172813
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positive (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-00fr-9400000000-365b1998fae560569153
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Negative (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-01b9-7900000000-bf01cd9eddbd8896c391
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Positive (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-00ou-9400000000-a25d2062f5982122e0b0
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Negative (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-056r-9700000000-37bdf87b8b6d8ebe0c4d
Predicted 1H NMR Spectrum1D NMRNot Applicable
Predicted 13C NMR Spectrum1D NMRNot Applicable
Chromatographic Properties
Collision Cross Sections (CCS)
AdductCCS Value (Å2)Source typeSource
[M-H]-143.7717364
predicted
DarkChem Lite v0.1.0
[M-H]-144.99858
predicted
DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)
[M+H]+144.0802364
predicted
DarkChem Lite v0.1.0
[M+H]+147.39418
predicted
DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)
[M+Na]+153.30669
predicted
DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)

Targets

Build, predict & validate machine-learning models
Use our structured and evidence-based datasets to unlock new
insights and accelerate drug research.
Learn more
Use our structured and evidence-based datasets to unlock new insights and accelerate drug research.
Learn more
Kind
Protein
Organism
Humans
Pharmacological action
Yes
Actions
Agonist
General Function
Receptor signaling protein activity
Specific Function
Beta-adrenergic receptors mediate the catecholamine-induced activation of adenylate cyclase through the action of G proteins. This receptor binds epinephrine and norepinephrine with approximately e...
Gene Name
ADRB1
Uniprot ID
P08588
Uniprot Name
Beta-1 adrenergic receptor
Molecular Weight
51322.1 Da
References
  1. Genome. JP DL-methylphedrine [Link]
Kind
Protein
Organism
Humans
Pharmacological action
Yes
Actions
Agonist
General Function
Thioesterase binding
Specific Function
Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors mediate the catecholamine-induced inhibition of adenylate cyclase through the action of G proteins. The rank order of potency for agonists of this receptor is oxymetazo...
Gene Name
ADRA2A
Uniprot ID
P08913
Uniprot Name
Alpha-2A adrenergic receptor
Molecular Weight
48956.275 Da
References
  1. Genome. JP DL-methylphedrine [Link]
Kind
Protein group
Organism
Humans
Pharmacological action
Yes
Actions
Agonist
General Function
Protein heterodimerization activity
Specific Function
This alpha-adrenergic receptor mediates its action by association with G proteins that activate a phosphatidylinositol-calcium second messenger system. Its effect is mediated by G(q) and G(11) prot...

Components:
References
  1. Genome. JP DL-methylphedrine [Link]
Kind
Protein group
Organism
Humans
Pharmacological action
Yes
Actions
Agonist
General Function
Receptor signaling protein activity
Specific Function
Beta-adrenergic receptors mediate the catecholamine-induced activation of adenylate cyclase through the action of G proteins. This receptor binds epinephrine and norepinephrine with approximately e...

Components:
References
  1. Genome. JP DL-methylphedrine [Link]

Drug created at December 03, 2015 16:52 / Updated at September 28, 2021 21:54