Drug Groups

illicit; approved

Description

A central nervous system stimulant and sympathomimetic with actions and uses similar to those of dextroamphetamine. It has been used most frequently in the treatment of obesity. [PubChem]

Indication

For the treatment and management of obesity.

Pharmacology

Phentermine is indicated in the management of exogenous obesity as a short term (a few weeks) adjunct in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction. Phentermine hydrochloride is a sympathomimetic amine with pharmacologic activity similar to the prototype drugs of this class used in obesity, the amphetamines. Actions include central nervous system stimulation and elevation of blood pressure. Tachyphylaxis and tolerance have been demonstrated with all drugs of this class in which these phenomena have been looked for.

Toxicity

LD₅₀ is adult monkeys is 15 to 20 mg/kg. Symptoms of overdose include delirium, mania, self-injury, marked hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hyperpyrexia, convulsion, coma, and circulatory collapse.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Hepatic.

Absorption

Phentermine is rapidly absorbed after oral ingestion.

Half Life

16 to 31 hours

Protein Binding

Approximately 96.3%

References

External Links