Diethylpropion Hydrochloride Oral tablet Health Article

Generic name(s):

Diethylpropion Hydrochloride Oral tablet

Brand name(s):

Diethylpropion Hydrochloride, Diethylpropion Hydrochloride SR, Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan

What is this medicine?

DIETHYLPROPION (dye eth il PROE pee on) decreases your appetite. It is used with a reduced calorie diet and exercise to help you lose weight. This medicine is only meant to be used for a few weeks.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• agitation
• glaucoma
• high blood pressure
• history of drug dependence or substance abuse
• hyperthyroid
• kidney or liver disease
• lung disease
• valvular heart disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to diethylpropion, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine 1 hour before meals. If a meal is missed, do not take that dose. An additional tablet may be taken in the mid evening if needed for night time hunger. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 16 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take a dose as soon as you can with the next meal. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• fluoxetine
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• medicines for colds or breathing difficulties like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine
• other medicines or herbal products for weight loss or to decrease appetite
• procarbazine
• sibutramine
• stimulants like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, dexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate or modafinil

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• general anesthetics
• insulin and other medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You need to closely monitor your weight loss. If your rate of weight loss slows down or stops, you may need to stop the medicine, and restart after a time without the medicine.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may increase dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.