Phentermine hydrochloride is indicated as a short-term (a few weeks) adjunct in a regimen of weight reduction based on exercise, behavioral modification and caloric restriction in the management of exogenous obesity for patients with an initial body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m 2 , or ≥ 27 kg/m 2 in the presence of other risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia). Below is a chart of Body Mass Index (BMI)...
Dosage and administration
Dosage should be individualized to obtain an adequate response with the lowest effective dose. Exogenous Obesity The usual adult dose is 15 to 30 mg at approximately 2 hours after breakfast for appetite control. Late evening medication should be avoided because of the possibility of resulting insomnia. Administration of one capsule (30 mg) daily has been found to be adequate in depression of the appetite for 12 to...
Storage and handling
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature] DISPENSE IN TIGHT, LIGHT-RESISTANT CONTAINER.
Phentermine hydrochloride USP has the chemical name of α,
α-Dimethylphenethylamine hydrochloride. The structural formula is as follows:
image of structural formula
Phentermine hydrochloride is a white, odorless, hygroscopic, crystalline
powder which is soluble in water and lower alcohols; slightly soluble in
chloroform and insoluble in ether.
(KVK TECH INC. manufacture)
Phentermine hydrochloride, an anorectic agent for oral administration, is
available as: a) powder-filled capsules containing 15 mg of phentermine
hydrochloride(equivalent to 12mg of phentermine) or 30 mg phentermine hydrochloride ( equivalent to 24mg phentermine) and inactive
ingredients:
Corn starch, gelatin, magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate. In addition, the 15mg capsules contain D and C Yellow #10, FD and C Blue #1, FD and C Red #3, FD and C Red #40, titanium dioxide and the 30mg capsules contain D and C Yellow #10, FD and C RED #3, titanium dioxide
b) bead-filled capsules containing 30mg phentermine hydrochloride (equivalent to 24mg phentermine) and inactive ingredients:
Corn starch, sucrose, hypromellose, povidone, and talc. In addition, the capsule contains FD and C Blue #1-Brilliant blue FCF aluminum lake, D and C Red # 28 and gelatin.
(LANNETT COMPANY, INC. manufacture)
Phentermine hydrochloride, an anorectic agent for oral administration, is
available as: powder-filled capsules containing 30 mg of phentermine
hydrochloride (equivalent to 24 mg of phentermine base) and inactive
ingredients: corn starch, magnesium stearate, lactose anhydrous.
In addition, the natural/blue capsules contain gelatin, D and C Red # 28, and
FD and C Blue # 1; the yellow/yellow capsules contain gelatin, D and C Yellow #
10, FD and C Red # 3, and titanium dioxide; the black/black capsules contain
gelatin, FD and C Yellow # 6, FD and C Blue # 1, and FD and C Red # 40. The
imprinting ink for the natural/blue capsules and yellow/yellow capsules contains
the following ingredients: shellac glaze in ethanol, iron oxide black, n-butyl
alcohol, propylene glycol, SDA 3A alcohol, FD and C Blue # 2 Aluminum Lake,
FD and C Red # 40 Aluminum Lake, FD and C Blue # 1 Aluminum Lake, and D and C
Yellow # 10 Aluminum Lake. The imprinting ink for the black/black capsules
contains the following ingredients: shellac, dehydrated alcohol, isopropyl
alcohol, butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, strong ammonia solution, yellow iron
oxide, and dimethicone.
(MUTUAL Phamaceutical manufacture)
Phentermine hydrochloride, an anorectic agent for oral administration, is
available as a capsule containing 30 mg of phentermine hydrochloride (equivalent
to 24 mg Phentermine). In addition, each capsule contains the following inactive
ingredients: crospovidone, dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, gelatin,
magnesium stearate, povidone, titanium dioxide, FDA/E 172 Yellow Iron Oxide. The
imprinting ink contains FD and C Blue #2, FD and C Red #40, FD and C Blue #1 and
D and C Yellow #10 Lake.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION
Phentermine hydrochloride is a sympathomimetic amine with
pharmacologic activity similar to the prototype drugs of this class used in
obesity, the amphetamines. Actions include central nervous system stimulation
and elevation of blood pressure. Tachyphylaxis and tolerance have been
demonstrated with all drugs of this class in which these phenomena have been
looked for.
Drugs of this class used in obesity are commonly known as "anorectics" or
"anorexigenics." It has not been established that the action of such drugs in
treating obesity is primarily one of appetite suppression. Other central nervous
system actions, or metabolic effects, may be involved, for example.
Adult obese subjects instructed in dietary management and treated with
"anorectic" drugs lose more weight on the average than those treated with
placebo and diet, as determined in relatively short-term clinical trials.
The magnitude of increased weight loss of drug-treated patients over
placebo-treated patients is only a fraction of a pound a week. The rate of
weight loss is greatest in the first week of therapy for both drug and placebo
subjects and tends to decrease in succeeding weeks. The possible origins of the
increased weight loss due to the various drug effects are not established. The
amount of weight loss associated with the use of an "anorectic" drug varies from
trial to trial, and the increased weight loss appears to be related in part to
variables other than the drugs prescribed, such as the physician-investigator,
the population treated and the diet prescribed. Studies do not permit
conclusions as to the relative importance of the drug and non-drug factors on
weight loss.
The natural history of obesity is measured in years, whereas the studies
cited are restricted to a few weeks' duration; thus, the total impact of
drug-induced weight loss over that of diet alone must be considered clinically
limited.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION
Phentermine hydrochloride is indicated as a short-term (a few
weeks) adjunct in a regimen of weight reduction based on exercise, behavioral
modification and caloric restriction in the management of exogenous obesity for
patients with an initial body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2, or ≥
27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors (e.g.,
hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia).
Below is a chart of Body Mass Index (BMI) based on various heights and
weights.
BMI is calculated by taking the patient's weight, in kilograms (kg), divided
by the patient's height, in meters (m), squared. Metric conversions are as
follows: pounds ÷ 2.2 = kg; inches × 0.0254 = meters.
image of table
The limited usefulness of agents of this class (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY) should be measured against possible
risk factors inherent in their use such as those described below.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION
Advanced arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, moderate to
severe hypertension, hyperthyroidism, known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to
the sympathomimetic amines, glaucoma.
Agitated states.
Patients with a history of drug abuse.
During or within 14 days following the administration of monoamine oxidase
inhibitors (hypertensive crises may result).
WARNINGS
WARNINGS SECTION
Phentermine hydrochloride capsules are indicated
only as short-term monotherapy for the management of exogenous obesity. The
safety and efficacy of combination therapy with phentermine and any other drug
products for weight loss, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, paroxetine), have not been
established. Therefore, coadministration of these drug products for weight loss
is not recommended.
Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH)—a rare,
frequently fatal disease of the lungs—has been reported to occur in patients
receiving a combination of phentermine with fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine. The
possibility of an association between PPH and the use of phentermine alone
cannot be ruled out; there have been rare cases of PPH in patients who
reportedly have taken phentermine alone. The initial symptom of PPH is
usually dyspnea. Other initial symptoms include: angina pectoris, syncope or
lower extremity edema. Patients should be advised to report immediately any
deterioration in exercise tolerance.
Treatment should be discontinued in patients who develop new, unexplained
symptoms of dyspnea, angina pectoris, syncope or lower extremity edema.
Valvular Heart Disease
Serious regurgitant cardiac valvular disease,
primarily affecting the mitral, aortic and/or tricuspid valves, has been
reported in otherwise healthy persons who had taken a combination of phentermine
with fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine for weight loss. The etiology of these
valvulopathies has not been established and their course in individuals after
the drugs are stopped is not known. The possibility of an association between
valvular heart disease and the use of phentermine alone cannot be ruled out;
there have been rare cases of valvular heart disease in patients who reportedly
have taken phentermine alone.
Tolerance to the anorectic effect usually develops within a few weeks. When
this occurs, the recommended dose should not be exceeded in an attempt to
increase the effect; rather, the drug should be discontinued.
Phentermine hydrochloride may impair the ability of the patient to engage in
potentially hazardous activities such as operating machinery or driving a motor
vehicle; the patient should therefore be cautioned accordingly.
Usage with Alcohol
Concomitant use of alcohol with phentermine hydrochloride may
result in an adverse drug interaction.
PRECAUTIONS
PRECAUTIONS SECTION
General
Caution is to be exercised in prescribing phentermine
hydrochloride for patients with even mild hypertension.
Insulin requirements in diabetes mellitus may be altered in association with
the use of phentermine hydrochloride and the concomitant dietary regimen.
Phentermine hydrochloride may decrease the hypotensive effect of
guanethidine.
The least amount feasible should be prescribed or dispensed at one time in
order to minimize the possibility of overdosage.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
PRECAUTIONS SECTION
Studies have not been performed with phentermine hydrochloride to determine the
potential for carcinogenesis, mutagenesis or impairment of fertility.
Pregnancy
PRECAUTIONS SECTION
Teratogenic EffectsPregnancy Category C
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with
phentermine hydrochloride. It is also not known whether phentermine
hydrochloride can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can
affect reproductive capacity. Phentermine hydrochloride should be given to a
pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Nursing Mothers
NURSING MOTHERS SECTION
Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a
decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the
drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric Use
PEDIATRIC USE SECTION
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION
Cardiovascular: Primary pulmonary
hypertension and/or regurgitant cardiac valvular disease (see WARNINGS),
palpitation, tachycardia, elevation of blood pressure.
Central Nervous System: Overstimulation,
restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, euphoria, dysphoria, tremor, headache; rarely
psychotic episodes at recommended doses.
Gastrointestinal: Dryness of the mouth, unpleasant
taste, diarrhea, constipation, other gastrointestinal disturbances.
Allergic: Urticaria.
Endocrine: Impotence, changes in libido.
DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE
DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE SECTION
Phentermine hydrochloride is related chemically and pharmacologically to the
amphetamines. Amphetamines and related stimulant drugs have been extensively
abused, and the possibility of abuse of phentermine hydrochloride should be kept
in mind when evaluating the desirability of including a drug as part of a weight
reduction program. Abuse of amphetamines and related drugs may be associated
with intense psychological dependence and severe social dysfunction. There are
reports of patients who have increased the dosage to many times that
recommended. Abrupt cessation following prolonged high dosage administration
results in extreme fatigue and mental depression; changes are also noted on the
sleep EEG. Manifestations of chronic intoxication with anorectic drugs include
severe dermatoses, marked insomnia, irritability, hyperactivity and personality
changes. The most severe manifestation of chronic intoxications is psychosis,
often clinically indistinguishable from schizophrenia.
OVERDOSAGE
OVERDOSAGE SECTION
Manifestations of acute overdosage with phentermine include
restlessness, tremor, hyperreflexia, rapid respiration, confusion,
assaultiveness, hallucinations, panic states. Fatigue and depression usually
follow the central stimulation. Cardiovascular effects include arrhythmia,
hypertension or hypotension, and circulatory collapse.
Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal
cramps.
Fatal poisoning usually terminates in convulsions and coma.
Management of acute phentermine intoxication is largely symptomatic and
includes lavage and sedation with a barbiturate. Experience with hemodialysis or
peritoneal dialysis is inadequate to permit recommendations in this regard.
Acidification of the urine increases phentermine excretion. Intravenous
phentolamine has been suggested for possible acute, severe hypertension, if this
complicates phentermine overdosage.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION
Dosage should be individualized to obtain an adequate response
with the lowest effective dose.
Exogenous Obesity
The usual adult dose is 15 to 30 mg at approximately 2 hours
after breakfast for appetite control. Late evening medication should be avoided
because of the possibility of resulting insomnia.
Administration of one capsule (30 mg) daily has been found to be adequate in
depression of the appetite for 12 to 14 hours.
Phentermine is not recommended for use in patients sixteen (16) years of age
and under.
HOW SUPPLIED
HOW SUPPLIED SECTION
Phentermine hydrochloride capsules are supplied as:
KVK-Tech Inc. (manufacture)
30 mg capsules, blue cap, natural body with black imprint "K28" on both the cap and body, filled with white and blue colored beads.
Phentermine 30mg capsules (blue/clear) are available as follows:
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