Lisdexamfetamine

Abstract

Lisdexamfetamine is an amphetamine prodrug, comprising an l-lysine amino acid covalently bonded to dextroamphetamine (d-amphetamine). Lisdexamfetamine is approved in the US for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children aged 6-12 years. Lisdexamfetamine is a therapeutically inactive molecule. After oral ingestion, lisdexamfetamine is hydrolyzed to l-lysine, a naturally occurring essential amino acid, and active d-amphetamine, which is responsible for the activity of the drug. In a well designed pharmacodynamic study in adult stimulant abusers, 50 or 100 mg doses of oral lisdexamfetamine had less likability than d-amphetamine 40 mg, suggesting a reduced abuse potential. Through rate-limited hydrolysis in the body, l-lysine is cleaved, gradually releasing pharmacologically active d-amphetamine. The pharmacokinetics of lisdexamfetamine suggest a reduced potential for abuse. In two well designed trials in children aged 6-12 years with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the efficacy of lisdexamfetamine was superior to that of placebo in improving symptoms associated with ADHD. Adverse events with lisdexamfetamine were, in general, mild to moderate in severity and consistent with those commonly reported with amphetamine.