Misc Propylhexedrine - Expiration Date (When in solution) ?

[KitchenChemist]

Rather than eating the cotton rods contained in the Benzedrex nasal inhalers (NOT pleasant and NOT good for the digestive tract), I usually soak the cotton rods, in a small amount of an acidic beverage (a shot of Monster Energy Drink works well). Then, I remove and ring-out the cotton, discard it, and drink. I usually soak the cotton for about 20 minutes, with periodic shaking, but some people recommend soaking overnight.

I have had an inhaler cotton soaking in a small shot of Monster energy drink, on top of the fridge for a few weeks (perhaps a month). Note that it has been UN-refrigerated. (So the Monster might be a bit funky).

I actually forgot about it, until today. And, I'm wondering if anyone thinks the propylhexedrine is still viable ? Is it ok to drink still, or do you guys and gals think that it may have broken down..?

Anyone think that it could have broken-down into anything harmful ? At the very least, I expect it to have no effect, but I just want to be sure that there isn't the possibility that it may have decomposed into something toxic ? After all, Benzedrex is OTC, and it says on the inhaler box that the product is viable for a MINIMUM of 4 MONTHS, after the inhaler is opened. But, it says nothing about the stability or shelf-life, once it has been put into a solution, to dissolve. (Obviously).



I am wondering if the preservatives that are put into energy drinks to preserve their shelf-live would also help to preserve the propylhexedrine..? I think that most likely, the potency will be fine, or a bit weaker. Or perhaps it won't work at all. They're only $7, and I'd usually just buy a new one. But, the car is in the shop, and I really don't feel like walking 5 miles to the pharmacy, lol.

I'm just wondering if there is any possibility that the propylhexedrine may have broken-down into anything toxic or harmful. Any ideas..?

* Note, that propylhexedrine is very closely related to methamphetamine. The only difference is that the phenyl group of meth, is replaced with a cyclohexyl group, in propylhexedrine. While their effects are similar, this minor difference makes propylhexedrine NOT an amphetamine, or even a phenethylamine. But, rather, a cycloalkylamine. Propylhexedrine’s chemical structure is as follows :

Any ideas..? Any help is greatly appreciated!



Your's Truly
~KC

 

[stirfry]

I would be more concerned about drinking any beverage that has been sitting on top of a refrigerator for weeks (it can get hot up there). Was it soaking in regular energy drink (with high sugar content), or one of those zero calorie energy shot things? Does it smell rotten or look cloudy?

I would assume that any propylhexedrine that was initially put into ionic solution would be in tact and viable. Any residual freebase propylhexedrine would have evaporated most likely. It's doubtful it would have decomposed into other substances, propylhexedrine should be a fairly stable molecule.

After all, Benzedrex is OTC, and it says on the inhaler box that the product is viable for a MINIMUM of 4 MONTHS, after the inhaler is opened.

I'm pretty sure the expiration date on the package is there because the freebase propylhexedrine will vaporize and the inhaler looses potency, not because it actually goes bad.

 

[Kenny7822]

The propylhedexdrine might be fine but that shot of monster probably isn't. I've left energy drinks sitting out for a couple of weeks and there was mold and all kinds of stuff growing inside it. I really don't think it's safe to drink that monster after having it sit out in the open for so long.

 

[KitchenChemist]

Thanks for the input, guys! Yes, stirfry, being a volitile oil at room temp, I do believe that is what the "expiration date" refers to on the package. (Vaporization, not actually decoposition). After all, it's volitile, oily state is the property that allows it to be inhaled into the mucosa membrane in the first place; good point.

Yeah, I was more worried about the Energy Drink, moreso that the propyl itself. Although, surprisingly, it does not appear to be moldy, cloudy, or otherwise rancid, although is does reek of that pungant smell of lavendar, eeew.. I probably should have mentioned that the container is a small vitamin bottle, and the solution has been in a closed container. Not exactly air-tight, but I would assume pretty close.

I also figured that by disolving the freebase (contained in the cotton) into a solution containing citric acid (in the case of the energy drink), that the majority of the propyl was being converted into Propylhexedrine Citrate, which should be even more stable than in it's original, freebase form, I would think..? I usually use lemon juice (more effective, but tastes EVEN worse!), but I always keep the solution refrigerated when using lemon juice, as that would certainly turn rancid after a few days, or even hours in the current heat, here.


Looks like I am going to proceed. I found it unlikely that the propyl would break-down into any potentially harmful amine-based substance, but just wanted a second opinion. There is more information on some research chimcals than on propylhexedrine ! I really wish that somebody would publish data regarding it's exact pharmacology (in oral dosing), and possible cardio- and/or neuro- toxicity.

Think I'll start with a small sip. If I detect any rotten taste, I'll probably discard it. If, not, I'll report back as to the potency, compared to a freshly-soaked cotton.

Thanks for the input, guys !