Phendimetrazine
Phendimetrazine Tartrate Oral capsule, extended-release
What is this medicine?
PHENDIMETRAZINE (fen dye MET ra zeen) decreases your appetite. It is used with a reduced calorie diet and exercise to help you lose weight.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
agitation or nervousness
diabetes
glaucoma
heart disease
high blood pressure
history of substance abuse
kidney disease
lung disease called Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH)
taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to phendimetrazine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Swallow whole. Do not open or chew the capsules. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
medicines for colds or breathing difficulties like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine
procarbazine
sibutramine
stimulants like dexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate or modafinil
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
medicines for diabetes
medicines for high blood pressure
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Notify your physician immediately if you become short of breath while doing your normal activities.
Do not take this medicine within 6 hours of bedtime. It can keep you from getting to sleep. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine and try to stick to a regular bedtime every night.
This medicine was intended to be used in addition to a healthy diet and exercise. The best results are achieved this way. This medicine is only indicated for short-term use. Eventually your weight loss may level out. At that point, the drug will only help you maintain your new weight. Do not increase or in any way change your dose without consulting your doctor.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
chest pain, palpitations
depression or severe changes in mood
increased blood pressure
irritability
nervousness or restlessness
painful urination
severe dizziness
vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
blurred vision or other eye problems
changes in sexual ability or desire
constipation or diarrhea
difficulty sleeping
dry mouth
flushing
headache
nausea
sweating
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.
Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Phendimetrazine Tartrate Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
PHENDIMETRAZINE (fen dye MET ra zeen) decreases your appetite. It is used with a reduced calorie diet and exercise to help you lose weight.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
agitation or nervousness
diabetes
glaucoma
heart disease
high blood pressure
history of substance abuse
kidney disease
lung disease called Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH)
taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to phendimetrazine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine at least 1 hour before eating. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
medicines for colds or breathing difficulties like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine
procarbazine
sibutramine
stimulants like dexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate or modafinil
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
medicines for diabetes
medicines for high blood pressure
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Notify your physician immediately if you become short of breath while doing your normal activities.
Do not take this medicine within 6 hours of bedtime. It can keep you from getting to sleep. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine and try to stick to a regular bedtime every night.
This medicine was intended to be used in addition to a healthy diet and exercise. The best results are achieved this way. This medicine is only indicated for short-term use. Eventually your weight loss may level out. At that point, the drug will only help you maintain your new weight. Do not increase or in any way change your dose without consulting your doctor.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
chest pain, palpitations
depression or severe changes in mood
increased blood pressure
irritability
nervousness or restlessness
painful urination
severe dizziness
vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
blurred vision or other eye problems
changes in sexual ability or desire
constipation or diarrhea
difficulty sleeping
dry mouth
flushing
headache
nausea
sweating
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Updated:
March 21, 2017
Sources:
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert