-Norpseudoephedrine, or (âÂÂ)-norpseudoephedrine, less commonly known as (âÂÂ)-cathine or -cathine, is a psychostimulant drug of the amphetamine family. It is the levorotary isomer of Norpseudoephedrine and is one of the 4 optical isomers of phenylpropanolamine ((âÂÂ)-norpseudoephedrine, (+)-norpseudoephedrine, (âÂÂ)-norephedrine, & (+)-norephedrine).
-Norpseudoephedrine is an alkaloid of Ephedra sinica, Ephedra equisetina, and Catha edulis (khat). In khat, -norpseudoephedrine is a secondary alkaloid present alongside cathinone. It is likely responsible for some of the milder stimulant effects of the plant, while cathinone produces the stronger psychoactive effects. In the Ephedra genus, -norpseudoephedrine is a trace alkaloid compared to the more abundant alkaloids ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Unlike in khat, -Norpseudoephedrine does not contribute significantly to the pharmacological actions of Ephedra, as the amount contained in stems/leaves is negligible.
-Norpseudoephedrine is a modestly selective or preferential norepinephrine releasing agent, similarly to other related compounds like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. It acts as a releasing agent of norepinephrine (EC<sub>50</sub> = 30 nM) and to a lesser extent of dopamine (EC<sub>50</sub> = 294 nM).
-Norpseudoephedrine is not classified as a norepinephrineâÂÂdopamine releasing agent because of its minimal dopaminergic action and the peripheral predominance of its sympathomimetic effects.
In Germany, norpseudoephedrine is used as an alternate name to cathine, a derivative of cathinone, and is only available by prescription.