Benzphetamine
- Atc Codes:A08AA
- CAS Codes:5411-22-3#156-08-1
- PHARMGKB ID:5411-22-3#156-08-1
Table of contents
- Brand Names
- Chemistry
- Pharmacologic Category
- Mechanism of Action
- Therapeutic Use
- Pregnancy and Lactation Implications
- Contraindications
- Warnings and Precautions
- Adverse Reactions
- Caution and personalized dose adjustment in patients with the following genotypes
- Substrate of
- Drug Interactions
- Nutrition/Nutraceutical Interactions
- Dosage
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
- Special Considerations
Brand Names
North America
Canada: Didrex; USA: Didrex.
Drug combinations
Chemistry
Benzphetamine Hydrochloride: C~17~H~21~N HCl. Mw: 275.82. (+)-N-Benzyl-N,α-dimethylphenethylamine hydrochloride. CAS-5411-22-3; CAS-156-08-1 (benzphetamine).
Pharmacologic Category
Anorexigenic Agents and Respiratory and Cerebral Stimulants; Amphetamines. (ATC-Code: A08AA).
Mechanism of action
Sympathomimetic amine which produces an anorexigenic effect and loss of weight. The mechanism of action in reducing appetite appears to be secondary to CNS effects (stimulation of the hypothalamus to release norepinephrine).
Therapeutic use
Short-term (few weeks) adjunct in exogenous obesity.
Pregnancy and lactiation implications
Contraindicated in pregnancy (may cause fetal toxicity). Women receiving the drug should not nurse their infants.
Unlabeled use
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to benzphetamine or other sympathomimetic amines. Advanced arteriosclerosis, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, moderate-to-severe hypertension or pulmonary hypertension. Hyperthyroidism. Glaucoma. Agitated states, history of drug abuse, during or within 14 days following MAO inhibitor therapy or concurrent use with other CNS stimulants. Pregnancy.
Warnings and precautions
Recommended only for obese patients with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m^2^, or ≥27 kg/m^2^ in the presence of other risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and/or dyslipidemia or a high waist circumference. Not approved for long-term use (may lead to dependency). Amphetamines may impair the ability to engage in potentially hazardous activities. A rare, frequently fatal disease of the lungs (primary pulmonary hypertension) has been described with increased frequency in patients receiving some anorexigens. The use of some anorexigens has been associated with the development of valvular heart disease (avoid stimulants in serious structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious heart rhythm abnormalities, or other serious cardiac problems that could increase the risk of sudden death). Caution in diabetes mellitus (antidiabetic agent requirements may be altered with anorexigens and concomitant dietary restrictions). Caution in hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions that might be exacerbated by increases in blood pressure or heart rate. Caution in history of seizure disorders. Caution in Tourette’s syndrome (stimulants may unmask tics). Not recommended for use in patients who have used other anorectic agents within the past year.