Overview
DESCRIPTION Diethylpropion Hydrochloride Extended Release Tablets, 75 mg are available for oral administration as extended release tablets containing 75 mg diethylpropion hydrochloride, USP. The inactive ingredients in each extended release tablet are: mannitol, carbomer homopolymer, tartaric acid, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, povidone, and magnesium stearate.
Mechanism of Action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Diethylpropion hydrochloride is a sympathomimetic amine with some pharmacologic activity similar to that of the prototype drugs of this class used in obesity, the amphetamines. Actions include some central nervous system stimulation and elevation of blood pressure. Tolerance has been demonstrated with all drugs of this class in which these phenomena have been looked for. Drugs of this class used in obesity are commonly known as "anorectics" or "anorexigenics." It has not been established, however, that the action of such drugs in treating obesity is primarily one of appetite suppression. For example, other central nervous system actions or metabolic effects may be involved.
Indications
- INDICATIONS AND USAGE 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. BMI is calculated by taking the patient’s weight, in kilograms (kg), divided by the patient’s height, in meters (m), squared.
Common Doses
- 75 mg
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Diethylpropion 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 ).
Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS Pulmonary hypertension, advanced arteriosclerosis, hyperthyroidism, known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to the sympathomimetic amines, glaucoma, severe hypertension (See PRECAUTIONS ). Agitated states. Patients with a history of drug abuse. Use in combination with other anorectic agents is contraindicated. During or within 14 days following the administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, hypertensive crises may result.
Side Effects
- ADVERSE REACTIONS Cardiovascular: 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.
Interactions
- Drug Interactions Because diethylpropion hydrochloride extended release tablets, 75 mg are monoamines, hypertension may result when either agent is used with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (See CONTRAINDICATIONS ). Efficacy of diethylpropion with other anorectic agents has not been studied and the combined use may have the potential for serious cardiac problems; therefore, the concomitant use with other anorectic agents is contraindicated. Antidiabetic drug requirements (i.e., insulin) may be altered. Concurrent use with general anesthetics may result in arrhythmias.