Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Adipex P, Lomaira
- CNS Stimulants, Anorexiants;
- Stimulants;
- Sympathomimetic
Description
Oral sympathomimetic amine pharmacologically similar to amphetamines
Used for short-term (a few weeks) treatment of exogenous obesity in patients 17 years and older; use generally not recommended by guidelines due to lack of longer-term health benefits
Not recommended for long-term use; there is abuse and addiction potential
Indications
Short-term (few weeks) adjunctive use as part of weight-reduction regimen based on exercise, behavioral modification, and caloric restriction in management of exogenous obesity for patients with initial body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² in presence of other risk factors (eg, controlled hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia)
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity or idiosyncratic reaction to sympathomimetic amines
History of cardiovascular disease (coronary artery disease, uncontrolled hypertension, arrhythmias, stroke, congestive heart failure)
Glaucoma
Agitated states
Hyperthyroidism
History of drug abuse
Use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within preceding 14 days; concomitant administration of other CNS stimulants
Pregnancy and breast feeding
Adverse Effects
- Bad taste in mouth
- Blurred vision
- Changes in libido
- Chills
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Drug-induced GI disturbance
- Dry mouth
- Dysphoric mood
- Dysuria
- Excitement
- Hair loss
- Headache
- Hypertension
- Impotence
- Insomnia
- Myalgia
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Palpitations
- Restlessness
- Tachycardia
- Tremor
- Urticaria
- Vomiting
Warnings
Primary pulmonary hypertension and valvular disease have been reported with therapy
Avoid use of stimulants in patients with serious heart rhythm disturbances, cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathies, or other cardiac problems (see Contraindications)
Caution in hypertension; risk of increase in blood pressure
Patients with diabetes mellitus should use caution with antidiabetic agents like insulin or other hypoglycemic agents; dietary restrictions may lower requirements for antidiabetic therapy
Drug has not been studied in renal impairment
Use with caution in patients with seizure disorders or Tourette syndrome
May impair ability to operate heavy machinery
Concomitant administration with other weight-loss agents (eg, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs], herbal preparations, other over-the-counter products) has not been studied
Elderly are at high risk for myocardial infarction, hypertension, angina, or becoming dependent on phentermine with prolonged use
Discontinue if weight loss has not occurred with 4 weeks of therapy
Not approved for long-term use
Discontinue if tolerance develops, and do not exceed recommended dosage to overcome tolerance
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy category: X
Lactation: Unknown if excreted in milk; contraindicated
Maximum Dosage
37.5 mg/day PO.
37.5 mg/day PO.
17 years: 37.5 mg/day PO.
12 to 16 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.