Diethylpropion

Diethylpropion is used along with a doctor-approved, reduced-calorie diet, exercise, and behavior change program to help with weight loss. It is used in people who are significantly overweight (obese) and have not been able to lose enough weight with diet and exercise alone. Losing weight and keeping it off can reduce the many health risks that come with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a shorter life. It is not known how this medication helps people to lose weight. It may work by decreasing appetite, increasing the amount of energy used by the body, or by affecting certain parts of the brain.

Dosages of Diethylpropion:

Tablet: Schedule IV

• 25 mg

Tablet, controlled-release: Schedule IV

• 75 mg

Dosage Considerations - Should Be Given as Follows

Obesity

Adult dose, immediate-release

• 25 mg orally every 8 hours 1 hour before eating
• May add 1 additional 25 mg dose orally midevening to overcome night hunger

Adult dose, controlled-release

• 75 mg orally once daily, swallowed whole, in midmorning

Children over 16 years of age

• Immediate release: 25 mg orally every 8 hours before eating
• Controlled release: 75 mg orally once daily, swallowed whole, in midmorning

Children under 16 years

• Safety and efficacy not established

Discontinue when tolerance develops - DO NOT EXCEED recommended dose

Common side effects of diethylpropion include:

• Increased blood pressure
• Palpitations
• Rash
• Hives
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Central nervous system stimulation
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Pain
• Blurred vision
• Dilated pupils
• Restlessness
• Menstrual irregularity
• Impotence, changes in sex drive

Less common side effects of diethylpropion include:

• Cardiac dysrhythmia
• Cardiomyopathy
• Agranulocytosis
• Leukopenia
• Cerebral ischemia
• Cerebrovascular accident
• Primary pulmonary hypertension

Rare side effects of diethylpropion include:

• Psychotic disorder
• Drug dependence

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Severe interactions of diethylpropion include:
  • iobenguane I 123
  • isocarboxazid
  • linezolid
  • methylphenidate
  • phenelzine
  • procarbazine
  • safinamide
  • selegiline transdermal
  • tranylcypromine
• Serious interactions of diethylpropion include:
  • amitriptyline
  • amoxapine
  • cabergoline
  • clomipramine
  • desflurane
  • desipramine
  • dihydroergotamine
  • dihydroergotamine intranasal
  • doxapram
  • doxepin
  • ergoloid mesylates
  • ergotamine
  • ether
  • imipramine
  • iobenguane I 131
  • isoflurane
  • lofepramine
  • maprotiline
  • methoxyflurane
  • methylergonovine
  • nortriptyline
  • protriptyline
  • sevoflurane
  • trazodone
  • trimipramine
  • yohimbe
• Diethylpropion has moderate interactions with at least 163 different drugs.
• Mild interactions of diethylpropion include:
  • desmopressin
  • eucalyptus
  • sage

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

• This medication contains Diethylpropion. Do not take Natroba if you are allergic to diethylpropion or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Advanced arteriosclerosis
• Hyperthyroidism
• Severe high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Hypersensitivity to sympathomimetic amines
• Glaucoma
• Agitated state
• History of drug abuse
• Pregnancy (especially first trimester)
• Within 14 days of MAOI
• Concurrent use with other anorectic agents

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information is available.

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Diethylpropion?"

Long-Term Effects

• Prolonged use not indicated
• Discontinue when tolerance develops - DO NOT EXCEED recommended dose

Cautions

• Discontinue when tolerance develops - DO NOT EXCEED recommended dose
• Pregnancy, lactation
• Epilepsy
• Use caution in patients with diabetes mellitus or Tourette's syndrome
• Incidence of primary pulmonary hypertension has been associated with therapy use
• Mild hypertension, symptomatic cardiovascular disease
• Development of valvular heart disease reported
• May impair the ability to drive and/or operate heavy machinery

Pregnancy and Lactation

• The use of diethylpropion during pregnancy may be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies are not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies were done and showed no risk. Diethylpropion is excreted in breast milk; use caution while breastfeeding.