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Other names | Methylhexaneamine, methylhexamine, geranamine, geranium extract, geranium oil, 2-amino-4-methylhexane, dimethylamylamine, DMAA, 1,3-dimethylamylamine, 1,3-DMAA, 1,3-dimethylpentylamine, 4-methyl-2-hexanamine, 4-methyl-2-hexylamine |
Routes of administration | Nasal spray, oral |
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Elimination half-life | ~8.5 hours |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.002.997 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C7H17N |
Molar mass | 115.220 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
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(what is this?) |
Methylhexanamine (also known as methylhexamine, 1,3-dimethylamylamine, 1,3-DMAA, dimethylamylamine, and DMAA; trade names Forthane and Geranamine) is an indirect sympathomimetic drug invented and developed by Eli Lilly and Company and marketed as an inhaled nasal decongestant from 1948 until it was voluntarily withdrawn from the market in the 1980s. [8] [9]
Since 2006 methylhexanamine has been sold extensively under many names as a stimulant or energy-boosting dietary supplement under the claim that it is similar to certain compounds found in geraniums, but its safety has been questioned as a number of adverse events and at least five deaths have been associated with methylhexanamine-containing supplements. [10] It is banned by many sports authorities and governmental agencies. Despite multiple warning letters from the FDA, [11] as of 2019, the stimulant remains available in sports and weight loss supplements in the US. [12]
In April 1944, Eli Lilly and Company introduced methylhexanamine under the brand name Forthane as an inhaled nasal decongestant; Lilly voluntarily withdrew methylhexanamine from the market in 1983. [13] : 12 The compound is an aliphatic amine; the pharmaceutical industry had a strong interest in compounds in this class as nasal decongestants in the early 20th century, which led to methylhexanamine and four other similar compounds being brought to market for that use: tuaminoheptane, octin (isometheptene), oenethyl (2-methylaminoheptane), and propylhexedrine; octin and oenethyl were eventually approved for use in keeping blood pressure sufficiently high for patients under anesthesia.[ citation needed ]: 95–96
Patrick Arnold reintroduced methylhexanamine in 2006 as a dietary supplement, [14] [15] after the final ban of ephedrine in the United States in 2005. Arnold introduced it under the trademarked name Geranamine, a name held by his company, Proviant Technologies. A large number of supplements focusing on fat loss and workout energy (thermogenic or general-purpose stimulants) used the ingredient in concert with other substances such as caffeine, a combination similar to the combination of ephedrine and caffeine.
Methylhexanamine-containing supplements sometimes list "geranium oil" or "geranium extract" as a source of methylhexanamine. However, geranium oils do not contain methylhexanamine, and the methylhexanamine in these supplements is added in the form of synthetic material. [16] A variety of studies have explored the possibility that DMAA is found in some types of geraniums, but at present, high quality evidence of DMAA's presence in plants is lacking. [17] [18]
Methylhexanamine is synthesized by reacting 4-methylhexan-2-one with hydroxylamine, which converts the 4-methylhexan-2-one to 4-methylhexan-2-one oxime, which is reduced via catalytic hydrogenation; the resulting methylhexanamine can be purified by distillation. [19] : 995–996
Methylhexanamine is an indirect sympathomimetic drug that constricts blood vessels and thus has effects on the heart, lungs, and reproductive organs. It also causes bronchodilation, inhibits peristalsis in the intestines, and has diuretic effects.
Most studies have been done on pharmacological effects when the drug is inhaled; the understanding of what methylhexanamine does when taken orally are mostly based on extrapolating from the activities of similar compounds.: 97 A 2013 review concluded that: "Pharmacological effects after oral intake can be expected on the lungs (bronchodilation) and the nasal mucosa following a single oral dose of about 4–15 mg. Pharmacological effects on the heart can be expected following a single oral dose of about 50–75 mg. Pharmacological effects on the blood pressure can be expected after a single oral dose of about 100 mg. Because of the long half-life, there is a risk that repeated doses within 24–36 hours could lead to steadily stronger pharmacological effects (build-up).": 98
In 2019 and 2023, methylhexanamine was found to show activity consistent with being a norepinephrine and dopamine releasing agent (NDRA). [20] [21] [22] It was also found to induce internalization of the dopamine transporter (DAT). [20] Methylhexanamine is not an agonist of the rodent or human trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1). [23] [24] [20] As such, TAAR1 agonism does not appear to be involved in monoamine release induction and DAT internalization by methylhexanamine. [20] [23] [24]
Methylhexanamine may be quantified in blood, plasma, or urine by gas or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to confirm a diagnosis of poisoning in hospitalized patients or to provide evidence in a medicolegal death investigation. Blood or plasma methylhexanamine concentrations are expected to be in a range of 10–100 μg/L in persons using the drug recreationally, >100 μg/L in intoxicated patients, and >300 μg/L in victims of acute overdosage. [25] [26]
The LD50 for methylhexanamine is 39 mg/kg in mice and 72.5 mg/kg in rats, when administered intravenously.: 95 [27] : 110
The FDA has stated that methylhexanamine "is known to narrow the blood vessels and arteries, which can elevate blood pressure and may lead to cardiovascular events ranging from shortness of breath and tightening in the chest to heart attack". [28] Numerous adverse events and at least five deaths have been reported in association with methylhexanamine-containing dietary supplements. [10] There have also been reports of secondary open-angle glaucoma related to methylhexanamine supplementation. [29]
A 2012 review by a panel convened by the U.S. Department of Defense to study whether the military should ban methylhexanamine supplements from stores on its bases concluded that: "The existing evidence does not conclusively establish that DMAA-containing substances are causally-associated with adverse medical events. However, a consistent theme among the studies is that DMAA use potentially affects cardiovascular function, just as other sympathomimetic stimulants. Without further rigorous study designs developed to evaluate the safety of DMAA, especially in patients with concomitant use of other substances, co-morbid conditions and high frequency use, the magnitude of the association of DMAA with adverse medical events is uncertain. Widespread use of DMAA-containing products by tens of thousands of Service members – often in combination with other substances – increases the likelihood of observing serious adverse events, even if the overall risk of a DMAA-related event is low, resulting in consequential impact to some Service members and other beneficiaries. DMAA should be further studied to evaluate its safety. Data from the case control study suggest that the frequency and amount of DMAA use and risk of specific [acquired medical events], particularly heat injuries and rhabdomyolysis, need to be examined in greater detail. ... The Safety Review Panel recommended ... to continue the prohibition of sales of DMAA-containing products in Exchanges and concessions. The Panel judged that the evidence supports sufficient risk, even if very low, of another death or catastrophic illness of a Service member who has used DMAA-containing products, without any offsetting benefit of these products." [13] : 10
In 2010, a 21-year-old man in New Zealand presented with a cerebral hemorrhage after ingesting 556 mg of methylhexanamine, caffeine, and alcohol. [30] Health authorities in Hawaii linked cases of liver failure and one death to OxyElite Pro, a weight loss and bodybuilding dietary supplement. [31]
The death of Claire Squires, a runner who collapsed near the finish-line of the April 2012 London Marathon, has been linked to methylhexanamine. The coroner stated that methylhexanamine was "probably an important factor" during the inquest. Despite, according to a friend, having been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat [32] and advised not to consume methylhexanamine, it is believed that she consumed the substance through drinking an energy drink, which was subsequently reformulated to exclude methylhexanamine. [33]
Methylhexanamine, also known as 1,3-dimethylamylamine (1,3-DMAA), is an alkylamine. [34] [35]
It is closely structurally related to other alkylamines, including 1,3-dimethylbutylamine (1,3-DMBA), 1,4-dimethylamylamine (1,4-DMAA), heptaminol (2-methyl-6-amino-2-heptanol), iproheptine (N-isopropyl-1,5-dimethylhexylamine), isometheptene (2-methyl-6-methylamino-2-heptene), octodrine (2-amino-6-methylheptane or 1,5-dimethylhexylamine), and tuaminoheptane (tuamine; 2-aminoheptane or 1-methylhexylamine). [34] [35]
Methylhexanamine and other related alkylamines are similar in chemical structure to phenethylamines and amphetamines, but lack a closed ring. [34] [35]
The predicted log P (XLogP3) of methylhexanamine is 1.9. [34]
A number of sporting authorities and countries have banned or heavily restricted the use of methylhexanamine as a dietary supplement, due to serious concerns about its safety. These countries include Australia, Brazil, Canada, Finland, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Many professional and amateur sports bodies, such as the World Anti Doping Agency, have banned methylhexanamine as a performance-enhancing substance and suspended athletes that have used it. [36] [37] [38] [39] [40] [41]
In 2010, the US military issued a recall of all methylhexanamine-containing products from all military exchange stores worldwide. [60] [61]
In July 2011, Health Canada decided methylhexanamine was not a dietary substance, but was a drug requiring further approval. Consequently, Health Canada banned all sales of methylhexanamine. [62]
In June 2012, the National Food Agency of Sweden issued a general warning regarding use of methylhexanamine products, resulting in a sales ban in parts of the country. [63]
In July 2012, the National Health Surveillance Agency of Brazil issued a warning to the general public on the hazards of products that contain methylhexanamine. [64] It also updated the list of prohibited substances to insert methylhexanamine, which translates into the banishment of products containing such ingredient from the Brazilian market. [65]
In 2012, Australia banned methylhexanamine. In New South Wales, methylhexanamine was classed as a "highly dangerous substance" on the poisons list. [66]
In August 2012, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has ruled that the popular DMAA containing sports supplement Jack3D is an unlicensed medicinal product and that it and all other methylhexanamine containing products need to be removed from the UK market amid concerns of potential risks to public safety. [67]
In 2012 the New Zealand Ministry of Health banned the sale of methylhexanamine products, [68] due in part to its growing recreational use as party pills. [69] [70]
In April 2013, the US Food and Drug Administration determined that methylhexanamine was potentially dangerous and did not qualify as a legal dietary supplement; it warned supplement makers that it was illegal to market methylhexanamine and warned consumers of potentially serious health risks associated with methylhexanamine-containing products. [10] [71] The FDA has issued warning letters to manufacturers and distributors who continued to market products containing methylhexanamine. [72]
Amphetamine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity; it is also used to treat binge eating disorder in the form of its inactive prodrug lisdexamfetamine. Amphetamine was discovered as a chemical in 1887 by Lazăr Edeleanu, and then as a drug in the late 1920s. It exists as two enantiomers: levoamphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Amphetamine properly refers to a specific chemical, the racemic free base, which is equal parts of the two enantiomers in their pure amine forms. The term is frequently used informally to refer to any combination of the enantiomers, or to either of them alone. Historically, it has been used to treat nasal congestion and depression. Amphetamine is also used as an athletic performance enhancer and cognitive enhancer, and recreationally as an aphrodisiac and euphoriant. It is a prescription drug in many countries, and unauthorized possession and distribution of amphetamine are often tightly controlled due to the significant health risks associated with recreational use.
Ephedrine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and sympathomimetic agent that is often used to prevent low blood pressure during anesthesia. It has also been used for asthma, narcolepsy, and obesity but is not the preferred treatment. It is of unclear benefit in nasal congestion. It can be taken by mouth or by injection into a muscle, vein, or just under the skin. Onset with intravenous use is fast, while injection into a muscle can take 20 minutes, and by mouth can take an hour for effect. When given by injection, it lasts about an hour, and when taken by mouth, it can last up to four hours.
Nootropics, colloquially brain supplements, smart drugs and cognitive enhancers, are natural, semisynthetic or synthetic compounds which purportedly improve cognitive functions, such as executive functions, attention or memory.
3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), sometimes referred to as sass, is an empathogen-entactogen, stimulant, and psychedelic drug of the amphetamine family that is encountered mainly as a recreational drug. In its pharmacology, MDA is a serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine releasing agent (SNDRA). In most countries, the drug is a controlled substance and its possession and sale are illegal.
4-Methylaminorex is a stimulant drug of the 2-amino-5-aryloxazoline group that was first synthesized in 1960 by McNeil Laboratories. It is also known by its street name "U4Euh" ("Euphoria"). It is banned in many countries as a stimulant. 4-Methylaminorex has effects comparable to methamphetamine but with a longer duration.
Party pills, also known as "herbal highs", "pep pills" "dance pills" and "natural power", is a colloquialism for a type of recreational drug whose main ingredient was originally benzylpiperazine (BZP), but has expanded to a wide range of compounds with a variety of effects. BZP is banned in several countries, including the USA, Republic of Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, but is available on a more or less restricted basis in many jurisdictions. A range of other piperazine derivatives have also been sold as ingredients in party pills, and many of these branded "proprietary blends" have subsequently been sold in countries around the world.
Aminorex, sold under the brand names Menocil and Apiquel among others, is a weight loss (anorectic) stimulant drug. It was withdrawn from the market after it was found to cause pulmonary hypertension (PPH). In the United States, aminorex is a Schedule I controlled substance.
Performance-enhancing substances (PESs), also known as performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), are substances that are used to improve any form of activity performance in humans.
β-Methylphenethylamine is an organic compound of the phenethylamine class, and a positional isomer of the drug amphetamine, with which it shares some properties. In particular, both amphetamine and β-methylphenethylamine are human TAAR1 agonists. In appearance, it is a colorless or yellowish liquid.
Etilamfetamine, also known as N-ethylamphetamine and formerly sold under the brand names Apetinil and Adiparthrol, is a stimulant drug of the amphetamine family. It was invented in the early 20th century and was subsequently used as an anorectic or appetite suppressant in the 1950s, but was not as commonly used as other amphetamines such as amphetamine, methamphetamine, and benzphetamine, and was largely discontinued once newer drugs such as phenmetrazine were introduced.
Methamphetamine is a potent central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is mainly used as a recreational or performance-enhancing drug and less commonly as a second-line treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It has also been researched as a potential treatment for traumatic brain injury. Methamphetamine was discovered in 1893 and exists as two enantiomers: levo-methamphetamine and dextro-methamphetamine. Methamphetamine properly refers to a specific chemical substance, the racemic free base, which is an equal mixture of levomethamphetamine and dextromethamphetamine in their pure amine forms, but the hydrochloride salt, commonly called crystal meth, is widely used. Methamphetamine is rarely prescribed over concerns involving its potential for recreational use as an aphrodisiac and euphoriant, among other concerns, as well as the availability of safer substitute drugs with comparable treatment efficacy such as Adderall and Vyvanse. While pharmaceutical formulations of methamphetamine in the United States are labeled as methamphetamine hydrochloride, they contain dextromethamphetamine as the active ingredient. Dextromethamphetamine is a stronger CNS stimulant than levomethamphetamine.
Phenpromethamine, also known as N,β-dimethylphenethylamine, is a sympathomimetic nasal decongestant of the phenethylamine group. It was previously marketed as a nasal inhaler from 1943 through 1960 but is no longer available. The medication is a stimulant and is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. It has been detected in dietary supplements starting in the 2010s.
Octodrine, also known as dimethylhexylamine (DMHA) and sold under the brand name Vaporpac among others, is a sympathomimetic and stimulant medication that was formerly used in the treatment of hypotension.
Iproheptine, also known as N-isopropyl-1,5-dimethylhexylamine or N-isopropyloctodrine and sold under the brand names Metron and Susat, is a nasal decongestant which has been marketed in Japan. It is described as a vasoconstrictor and antihistamine. The drug is available over-the-counter in Japan.
A monoamine releasing agent (MRA), or simply monoamine releaser, is a drug that induces the release of one or more monoamine neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron into the synapse, leading to an increase in the extracellular concentrations of the neurotransmitters and hence enhanced signaling by those neurotransmitters. The monoamine neurotransmitters include serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine; MRAs can induce the release of one or more of these neurotransmitters.
Oxilofrine, sold under the brand names Carnigen and Suprifen among others, is a sympathomimetic medication which has been used as an antihypotensive agent and cough suppressant. It is taken by mouth.
1,3-Dimethylbutylamine, is a stimulant drug structurally related to methylhexanamine where a butyl group replaces the pentyl group. The compound is an aliphatic amine.
Pre-workout is a generic term for a range of bodybuilding supplement products used by athletes and weightlifters to enhance athletic performance. Supplements are taken to increase endurance, energy, and focus during a workout. Pre-workout supplements contain a variety of ingredients such as caffeine and creatine, differing by capsule or powder products. The first pre-workout product entered the market in 1982, and since then the category has grown in use. Some pre-workout products contain ingredients linked to adverse effects. Although these products are not regulated, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns consumers to be cautious when consuming them.
Deterenol is a stimulant drug which acts as a beta agonist. It has been found as an ingredient of dietary supplement products, but is banned in most countries due to risk of cardiac arrest.
Oenethyl, also known as 2-methylaminoheptane and sold under the brand names Pacamine and Neosupranol, is a sympathomimetic and vasopressor medication of the alkylamine which is no longer marketed. It was used as a nasal decongestant and to control blood pressure during anesthesia. It is closely structurally related to other alkylamines, for instance methylhexanamine and tuaminoheptane, among others. These compounds are known to act as structurally simple monoamine releasing agents and to produce psychostimulant-like effects.
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: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)[Methylhexanamine] is not a dietary ingredient, and [Methylhexanamine]-containing products marketed as dietary supplements are illegal and their marketing violates the law.
DMAA is not an 'herb or other botanical.' It is not a 'constituent' of an herb or other botanical. And it is not generally recognized by qualified experts, as adequately shown through scientific procedures, to be safe under the conditions of its intended use.
[...] a proposed intracellular target for amphetamine is the [TAAR1], a [GPCR] that is expressed on intracellular membranes in DA neurons (Miller, 2011). Phenethylamine stimulants have been proposed to activate TAAR1, leading to increased cAMP generation and RhoA activation, with subsequent enhancement of DAT reverse transport and endocytosis (Xie and Miller, 2007, 2008, 2009; Underhill et al., 2021). Methamphetamine-induced DAT endocytosis was found to be dependent on TAAR1 expression and PKA activity as suggested by use of the kinase inhibitor H89 (Xie and Miller, 2009). However, evidence indicating that amphetamine-induced endocytosis is independent of TAAR1 includes 1) HEK-293 cells do not express TAAR1 (Reese et al., 2007; Xie and Miller, 2007) but do exhibit amphetamine-induced DAT endocytosis [present studies and (Saunders et al., 2014; Cheng et al., 2015; Wheeler et al., 2015)]; 2) cAMP and PKA activation, which are stimulated by TAAR1, antagonized amphetamine-induced DAT endocytosis in heterologous cells and DA neurons [present studies and (Wheeler et al., 2015)]; and 3) in cell lines and rodent striatal synaptosomes, PKA activation increased DAT Vmax, consistent with increased plasma membrane expression (Pristupa et al., 1998; Page et al., 2004; Batchelor and Schenk, 2018). Additionally, DMAA induced DAT endocytosis (Figs. 3 and 4) despite exhibiting no activity at human TAAR1 in receptor binding studies (Rickli et al., 2019). Therefore, although some evidence does support a role of TAAR1 in modulating amphetamine-induced DAT endocytosis, the present studies suggest that DMAA and amphetamine promote DAT endocytosis through a TAAR1-independent mechanism.
TAAR1 activation may reduce the rewarding properties of stimulant-type drugs of abuse (AsifMalik et al., 2017; Cotter et al., 2015; Di Cara et al., 2011; Pei et al., 2015; Simmler et al., 2016) and may theoretically counteract addictive properties of other stimulants that are contained in preworkout boosters or used concomitantly. In contrast to phenethylamines, TAAR1 was not activated by the alkylamines 1,3-dimethylamylamine and 1,3-dimethylbutylamine.
is known to narrow the blood vessels and arteries, which can elevate blood pressure and may lead to cardiovascular events ranging from shortness of breath and tightening in the chest to heart attack.