Amphetamines Available in Liquid Form
ProCentra® (dextroamphetamine sulfate) oral solution is the primary liquid amphetamine formulation available, supplied as 5 mg/5 mL in a bubblegum-flavored oral solution. 1
Available Liquid Formulations
Dextroamphetamine oral solution (ProCentra®) is FDA-approved and available as a 5 mg/5 mL concentration in 16 fluid ounce containers, stored at controlled room temperature (68° to 77°F) in tight, light-resistant containers. 1
Liquid formulations represent one of several novel delivery systems developed over the past two decades for stimulant medications, alongside chewable tablets and transdermal patches, designed to improve medication adherence and provide dosing flexibility. 2
Important Distinctions About Other Amphetamine Products
Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) is NOT available in liquid form and comes only as immediate-release tablets or extended-release capsules (Adderall XR), with typical starting doses of 10 mg once daily for the extended-release formulation. 3, 4
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®) is NOT available in liquid form and is supplied only as capsules (20 mg and 30 mg strengths in Japan; other strengths available in the US). 5 This prodrug must undergo hydrolysis in the blood to release active d-amphetamine, making alternative formulations less practical. 6, 7
Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) is available as immediate-release tablets (typically 5 mg twice daily) or Spansule extended-release capsules (10 mg once daily), but standard liquid formulations under this brand name are not the primary marketed form. 3
Clinical Considerations for Liquid Formulations
Liquid formulations allow for precise dose titration and are particularly useful in pediatric populations or patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets, offering more flexibility with dosing frequency compared to long-acting formulations. 2
Short-acting formulations like liquid dextroamphetamine provide dosing flexibility but may have higher risk of rebound effects compared to long-acting formulations, which are associated with better medication adherence. 2
Common adverse effects remain consistent across formulations, including decreased appetite, sleep disturbances, increased blood pressure and pulse, headaches, irritability, and stomach pain, all generally mild and temporary. 2