Dexfenfluramine

What is Dexfenfluramine

NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the US.

Dexfenfluramine is the dextro isomer of fenfluramine (a racemic mixture) and is used as an anorexiant for the control of obesity. D-fenfluramine (i.e., dexfenfluramine) is probably the isomer responsible for the anorectic effects of fenfluramine, while L-fenfluramine is the isomer that had been more associated with adverse effects.

In contrast to other sympathomimetic-type anorexiants, dexfenfluramine was considered to have less potential for abuse, and may help prevent relapses in dietary restrictions for up to a year.

Dexfenfluramine was approved by the FDA in April 1996 and was the first anorexiant to be approved in the US since 1973.

When dexfenfluramine was approved (as a C-IV controlled substance), the FDA advisory committee also recommended that post-marketing study be conducted regarding long-term safety and Wyeth-Ayerst and Interneuron committed to a phase IV study.

This phase IV study was to compare the effects of dexfenfluramine with those of fluoxetine and placebo on various measurements of neurotoxicity. In August 1997, the 2 companies were still in discussion with the FDA regarding the wording of a boxed warning in the dexfenfluramine PI, however, on September 15, 1997, the manufacturer voluntarily withdrew dexfenfluramine from marketing at the request of the FDA when it became apparent that there was an unacceptable risk of cardiac valvulopathy.

Patients who are using this drug should stop and should contact their physicians.

Dexfenfluramine had been used extensively for obesity in Europe; in France, use is limited to a maximum treatment of 1 year.

Indications

  • obesity

For use as an adjunct to diet and exercise in the treatment of obesity in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30 kg/m2 or alternatively, in those with a BMI higher than 20 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, or hypertension)

Side Effects

  1. cardiac valvulopathy
  2. constipation
  3. diarrhea
  4. dizziness
  5. drowsiness
  6. fatigue
  7. hypotension
  8. nausea
  9. polyuria
  10. pulmonary hypertension
  11. serotonin syndrome
  12. vomiting
  13. xerostomia

Monitoring Parameters

  • laboratory monitoring not necessary

Contraindications

  • breast-feeding
  • cardiac arrhythmias
  • cardiac disease
  • children
  • glaucoma
  • hepatic disease
  • MAOI therapy
  • pregnancy
  • pulmonary hypertension
  • renal disease

Interactions

No information is available regarding drug interactions associated with Dexfenfluramine 

15585

Sign up to receive the trending updates and tons of Health Tips

Join SeekhealthZ and never miss the latest health information

15856