DETOXICATION AND EXCRETION OF MEPHENTERMINE

The metabolic fate of mephentermine was studied in dogs, rats and rabbits. The principle, if not the sole, metabolites in the dog and rat were the products of N-demethylation, nor-mephentermine and subsequent p-hydroxylation, p-hydroxynor-mephentermine. Although the major metabolite excreted by the rabbit was nor-mephentermine, small amounts of p-hydroxynor-mephentermine and an unidentified substance were also excreted. After intra-abdominal administration the greatest concentration of mephentermine appeared in dog plasma within 45 minutes and most of the excreted metabolites appeared in the urine of the various species within 24 hours.