Diethylpropion
/api/v1/drug/diethylpropionMechanism of action
Sourced from openFDAMechanism-of-action classes: Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors; Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; Norepinephrine Uptake Inhibitors.
Indications
Sourced from openFDA- Diethylpropion hydrochloride extended release tablets, 75 mg are indicated in the management of exogenous obesity as a short-term adjunct (a few weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction in patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m 2 or higher and who have not responded to appropriate weight reducing regimen (diet and/or exercise) alone. Below is a chart of BMI based on various heights and weights.ICD-10: E66.9
Contraindications
Sourced from openFDA- Pulmonary hypertension, advanced arteriosclerosis, hyperthyroidism, known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to the sympathomimetic amines, glaucoma, severe hypertension (See PRECAUTIONS ). Agitated states.contraindicated
Dosage & administration
Sourced from openFDADiethylpropion Hydrochloride Extended Release Tablets, 75 mg: One extended-release 75 mg tablet daily, swallowed whole, in midmorning. Geriatric use: This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function (See PRECAUTIONS , Geriatric Use ).
Warnings & precautions
Sourced from openFDADiethylpropion hydrochloride extended release tablets, 75 mg should not be used in combination with other anorectic agents, including prescribed drugs, over-the-counter preparations, and herbal products. In a case-control epidemiological study, the use of anorectic agents, including diethylpropion, was associated with an increased risk of developing pulmonary hypertension, a rare, but often fatal disorder. The use of anorectic agents for longer than 3 months was associated with a 23-fold increase in the risk of developing pulmonary hypertension. Increased risk of pulmonary hypertension with repeated courses of therapy cannot be excluded. The onset or aggravation of exertional dyspnea, or unexplained symptoms of angina pectoris, syncope, or lower extremity edema suggest the possibility of occurrence of pulmonary hypertension. Under these circumstances, diethylpropion hydrochloride extended release tablets, 75 mg should be immediately discontinued, and the patient should be evaluated for the possible presence of pulmonary hypertension. Valvular heart disease associated with the use of some anorectic agents such as fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine has been reported. Possible contributing factors include use for extended periods of time, higher than recommended dose, and/or use in combination with other anorectic drugs. Valvulopathy has been very rarely reported with diethylpropion hydrochloride extended release tablets, 75 mg monotherapy, but the causal relationship remains uncertain.
Adverse reactions
Sourced from openFDACardiovascular: Precordial pain, arrhythmia (including ventricular), ECG changes, tachycardia, elevation of blood pressure, palpitation and rare reports of pulmonary hypertension. Valvular heart disease associated with the use of some anorectic agents such as fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, both independently and especially when used in combination, have been reported. Valvulopathy has been very rarely reported with diethylpropion hydrochloride extended release tablets, 75 mg monotherapy, but the causal relationship remains uncertain. Central Nervous System: In a few epileptics an increase in convulsive episodes has been reported; rarely psychotic episodes at recommended doses; dyskinesia, blurred vision, overstimulation, nervousness, restlessness, dizziness, jitteriness, insomnia, anxiety, euphoria, depression, dysphoria, tremor, mydriasis, drowsiness, malaise, headache, and cerebrovascular accident Gastrointestinal: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, dryness of the mouth, unpleasant taste, nausea, constipation, other gastrointestinal disturbances Allergic: Urticaria, rash, ecchymosis, erythema Endocrine: Impotence, changes in libido, gynecomastia, menstrual upset Hematopoietic System: Bone marrow depression, agranulocytosis, leukopenia Miscellaneous: A variety of miscellaneous adverse reactions has been reported by physicians. These include complaints such as dysuria, dyspnea, hair loss, muscle pain, increased sweating, and polyuria.
Use in specific populations
Sourced from openFDAPregnancy Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category B. Reproduction studies have been performed in rats at doses up to 1.6 times the human dose (based on mg/m 2 ) and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to diethylpropion hydrochloride. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Spontaneous reports of congenital malformations have been recorded in humans, but no causal relationship to diethylpropion has been established. Non-Teratogenic Effects. Abuse with diethylpropion hydrochloride during pregnancy may result in withdrawal symptoms in the human neonate.
Overdosage
Sourced from openFDAManifestations of acute overdosage include restlessness, tremor, hyperreflexia, rapid respiration, confusion, assaultiveness, hallucinations, panic states, and mydriasis. Fatigue and depression usually follow the central stimulation. Cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertension or hypotension and circulatory collapse. Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Overdose of pharmacologically similar compounds has resulted in convulsions, coma and death. The reported oral LD 50 for mice is 600 mg/kg, for rats is 250 mg/kg and for dogs is 225 mg/kg. Management of acute diethylpropion hydrochloride intoxication is largely symptomatic and includes lavage and sedation with a barbiturate. Experience with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is inadequate to permit recommendation in this regard. Intravenous phentolamine has been suggested on pharmacologic grounds for possible acute, severe hypertension, if this complicates diethylpropion hydrochloride extended release tablets, 75 mg overdosage.
Approval history
Sourced from openFDA- Dec 22, 2010ANDAANDA201212Avanthi Inc
- Jul 18, 2011ANDAANDA200177Lannett Co Inc
- Oct 24, 2011ANDAANDA091680Lannett Co Inc
FAERS reports
- 1Chronic Kidney Disease1512%
- 2Drug Ineffective1310%
- 3Pain1310%
- 4Renal Failure129.7%
- 5Anxiety108.1%
- 6Acute Kidney Injury75.6%
- 7Dizziness75.6%
- 8Weight Decreased75.6%
- 9Depression64.8%
- 10Dyspnoea64.8%
- 11Emotional Distress64.8%
- 12Fatigue64.8%
- 13Injury64.8%
- 14Nausea64.8%
- 15Small For Dates Baby64.8%
Literature
Recent PubMed references pinned to Diethylpropion as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
- Detection of amfepramone and its metabolite cathinone in human hair: Application to a uthentic cases of amfepramone use.Drug testing and analysis · 2022 · Yang H, Wang X, Liu M, et al.PMID 34405558DOI 10.1002/dta.3149
- Anorectic interaction and safety of 5-hydroxytryptophan/carbidopa plus phentermine or diethylpropion in rat.Behavioural pharmacology · 2021 · Limón-Bernal E, Roa-Coria JE, Zúñiga-Romero Á, et al.PMID 33660661DOI 10.1097/FBP.0000000000000625
- Pharmacogenetics of amfepramone in healthy Mexican subjects reveals potential markers for tailoring pharmacotherapy of obesity: results of a randomised trial.Scientific reports · 2019 · Gómez-Silva M, Piñeyro-Garza E, Vargas-Zapata R, et al.PMID 31780765DOI 10.1038/s41598-019-54436-z
- Anorectic efficacy and safety of the diethylpropion-topiramate combination in rats.Drug development research · 2018 · Cortés-Moreno GY, Roa-Coria JE, Zúñiga-Romero Á, et al.PMID 30188585DOI 10.1002/ddr.21434
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of amfepramone and mazindol as a monotherapy for the treatment of obese or overweight patients.Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil) · 2017 · Lucchetta RC, Riveros BS, Pontarolo R, et al.PMID 28591345DOI 10.6061/clinics/2017(05)10
- Diethylpropion and mazindol: An end to the discussion?Revista da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992) · 2017 · Lucchetta RC, Riveros BS, Pontarolo R, et al.PMID 28489121DOI 10.1590/1806-9282.63.03.203
- The efficacy of the appetite suppressant, diethylpropion, is dependent on both when it is given (day vs. night) and under conditions of high fat dietary restriction.Appetite · 2016 · Kalyanasundar B, Solorio J, Perez CI, et al.PMID 26867698DOI 10.1016/j.appet.2016.01.036
- Six-month efficacy and safety of amfepramone in obese Mexican patients: a double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial.International journal of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics · 2015 · Soto-Molina H, Pizarro-Castellanos M, Rosado-Pérez J, et al.PMID 26073353DOI 10.5414/CP202135
Clinical trials
The 5 most recently updated of 5 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Diethylpropion as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.
- A Study to Evaluate the Safety of Exposure to Wegovy During PregnancyEnrolling by invitation · Observational · 1,139 enrolled · Novo Nordisk A/SNCT05503927updated 2026-06-09
- Using Secondary Data to Evaluate Sex-based Heterogeneity of GLP-1 Agonists and SGLT2 Inhibitors on Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health (CKMH) Outcomes in Real-world Settings (DASH-CKMH)Active not recruiting · Observational · 23,280,000 enrolled · Ohio State UniversityNCT07188545updated 2025-09-23
- Anti-obesity Pharmacotherapy and InflammationActive not recruiting · Observational · 30 enrolled · Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New OrleansNCT05756764updated 2025-09-09
- LOSS- Louisiana Obese Subjects StudyTerminated · Phase 4 · Interventional · 390 enrolled · Pennington Biomedical Research CenterNCT00115063updated 2016-02-22
- Study to Evaluate the Likeability, Safety, and Abuse Potential of NRP 104 in Adults With Histories of Stimulant AbuseCompleted · Phase 1 · Phase 2 · Interventional · 36 enrolled · New River PharmaceuticalsNCT00248092updated 2007-11-05
Frequently asked questions
- How does Diethylpropion work?
- Mechanism-of-action classes: Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors; Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; Norepinephrine Uptake Inhibitors.
- What is Diethylpropion used for?
- According to FDA labeling, Diethylpropion carries indications including: Diethylpropion hydrochloride extended release tablets, 75 mg are indicated in the management of exogenous obesity as a short-term adjunct (a few weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction in patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m 2 or higher and who have not responded to appropriate weight reducing regimen (diet and/or exercise) alone. Below is a chart of BMI based on various heights and weights.. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
- What class of drug is Diethylpropion?
- Diethylpropion is classified as Centrally acting antiobesity products, Sympathomimetic Amine Anorectic, Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, Norepinephrine Uptake Inhibitors, Appetite Suppression, Increased Cerebral Cortex Dopamine Activity, Increased Cerebral Cortex Norepinephrine Activity, Increased Sympathetic Activity.
- What are the brand names for Diethylpropion?
- Diethylpropion is marketed under brand names including Tenuate.
- What are the contraindications for Diethylpropion?
- Diethylpropion labeling lists contraindications including: Pulmonary hypertension, advanced arteriosclerosis, hyperthyroidism, known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to the sympathomimetic amines, glaucoma, severe hypertension (See PRECAUTIONS ). Agitated states.. Always consult the full prescribing information and a clinician.
diethylpropion is illustrative MVP content compiled from public sources. pharmacopeia is for educational and informational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.