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Amfecloral

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Subjective Effects
Interactions
Tolerance
Legality
Amfecloral molecule structureAmfecloral molecule structure
N-(2,2,2-trichloroethylidene)amphetamine
Amphecloral, AcutranOpen in Piru
Psychoactive Class
StimulantDepressantSedative
Chemical Class
Amphetamine (substituted)

Amfecloral is a substituted amphetamine combination drug with stimulant, depressant, and sedative effects. It was classified as an appetite suppressant1, including under the brand name Acutran, until production ceased in 1973. The substance combines dextroamphetamine and chloral hydrate and is unusual among amphetamine-like substances for reportedly producing little to no stimulant activity, although the contribution of chloral hydrate metabolism to this effect remains uncertain.

Dosage & Duration

Log in Piru

Duration

Onset10-30 minutes
After Effects1-12 hours
Total5-8 hours

Subjective Effects

Subjective Effects not written up yet

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Amfecloral acts as a prodrug that releases dextroamphetamine, a central nervous system stimulant, and chloral hydrate, a CNS depressant and sedative-hypnotic. It also converts to levoamphetamine, the R enantiomer of amphetamine2. It is described as having little to no stimulant activity2, but the extent of chloral hydrate metabolism and its in-vivo contribution to this effect remain unknown.

Pharmacokinetics

After ingestion, amfecloral is metabolized to dextroamphetamine and chloral hydrate and also converts to levoamphetamine. The extent of these metabolic processes and the in-vivo contribution of chloral hydrate metabolism are not established in the supplied evidence.

Interactions

Interactions not written up yet

An unlisted combination is an unknown one, not a safe one. Check a dedicated combination chart before mixing.

Check TripSit

Tolerance

Tolerance not written up yet

Harm Potential

Addiction & Dependence

Psychological

High

As a prodrug to amphetamine, amfecloral carries significant psychological addiction potential consistent with the amphetamine class, including risk of compulsive use and difficulty discontinuing.

Physical

Moderate

Physical dependence may develop with regular use due to its dual action as a prodrug to both amphetamine and chloral hydrate, with potential for withdrawal symptoms from both stimulant and sedative components.

History & Culture

Marketing as Acutran

Amfecloral was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration as an anti-obesity drug and marketed under the brand name Acutran. It was widely used for its anorectic properties.

Legality

Legality not written up yet

References

Source Pages

  1. TripSit Factsheet: Amfecloral
  2. Wikipedia

Citations

  1. KEGG DRUG: Amphecloral. KEGG (n.d.). https://www.kegg.jp/entry/D029261
  2. AMPHECLORAL. NCATS Inxight Drugs (n.d.). https://drugs.ncats.io/drug/6015XOA0BI12
  3. A Brief History of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2022). https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/fda-history-exhibits/brief-history-center-drug-evaluation-and-research?ipid=promo-link-block11

Further Reading

  1. Amfecloral product monograph ‘Acutran’ (Parke-Davis, 1969 archival brochure).
  2. Fitch FW et al. Anorectic drugs: comparative appraisal. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (1970)
  3. Ganellin CR, Triggle DJ. Dictionary of pharmacological agents (1996)
  4. McPherson EM. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition (2007)
  5. PubChem: Amfecloral compound overview
  6. Van Rossum JM. Mode of action of psychomotor stimulant drugs. International Review of Neurobiology (1970)

Article Status

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