DIETHYLPROPION HYDROCHLORIDE
(dye-eth-il-proe'pee-on)
Nobesine , Propion, Ten-Tab, Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan, Tepanil
Classifications: gastrointestinal agent; anorexiant
Pregnancy Category: B
Controlled Substance: Schedule IV

Availability

25 mg tablets; 75 mg sustained release tablets

Actions

Sympathomimetic amine and amphetamine congener. Has lower incidence of amphetamine-type adverse effects but reportedly is less effective as an appetite suppressant. Anorexigenic action probably secondary to direct (CNS) stimulation of appetite control center in hypothalamus and limbic regions. Also produces mild psychic stimulation and vasopressor effects.

Therapeutic Effects

Suppresses appetite as a result of drug action on CNS appetite control center.

Uses

Used solely in management of exogenous obesity as short-term (a few weeks) adjunct in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to sympathomimetic amines; severe hypertension, advanced arteriosclerosis; hyperthyroidism; glaucoma; agitated states, history of drug abuse. Safe use during pregnancy (category B) or in children <12 y is not established.

Cautious Use

Hypertension, arrhythmias, symptomatic cardiovascular disease; epilepsy; diabetes mellitus; lactation.

Route & Dosage

Obesity
Adult: PO 25 mg t.i.d. 30–60 min a.c. or 75 mg sustained release q.d. midmorning

Administration

Oral

Adverse Effects (1%)

Body as a Whole: Hypersensitivity (urticaria, rash, erythema); muscle pain, dyspnea, hair loss, blurred vision, severe dermatoses (chronic intoxication), increased sweating. CNS: Mild euphoria, restlessness, nervousness, dizziness, headache, irritability, hyperactivity, insomnia, drowsiness, mood changes, lethargy, increase in convulsive episodes in patients with epilepsy. CV: Palpitation, tachycardia, precordial pain, rise in BP. GI: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, unpleasant taste. Urogenital: Impotence, changes in libido, gynecomastia, menstrual irregularities; polyuria, dysuria.

Interactions

Drug: Acetazolamide, sodium bicarbonate decrease diethylpropion elimination; ammonium chloride, ascorbic acid increase diethylpropion elimination; a barbiturate and diethylpropion taken together may antagonize the effects of both drugs; furazolidone may increase blood pressure effects of amphetamines, and interaction may persist for several weeks after discontinuation of furazolidone; guanethidine, guanadryl antagonize antihypertensive effects; mao inhibitors, selegiline can cause hypertensive crisis (fatalities reported)—amphetamines should not be administered at the same time as or within 14 days of these drugs; phenothiazines may inhibit mood elevating effects of amphetamines; tricyclic antidepressants enhance amphetamines' effects by increasing norepinephrine release; beta agonists increase cardiovascular adverse effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Readily absorbed from GI tract. Duration: 4 h, regular tablets; 10–14 h, sustained release. Elimination: Excreted in urine. Half-Life: 4–6 h.

Nursing Implications

Assessment & Drug Effects

Patient & Family Education


Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; Canadian drug name; Prototype drug