What is this medication for?
This medication belongs to
the family of medications known as appetite
suppressants. It is used in addition to dietary measures for the short-term
(a few weeks) management of obesity
for people who have not responded to an appropriate weight-reducing diet alone.
It works by causing one to feel less hungry.
It is recommended only for people with an initial body mass
index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater. Body mass index is a number
calculated with consideration to weight and height. Ask your health
professional about your BMI.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Tenuate® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The usual adult dose of
diethylpropion is one 25 mg tablet 3 times daily, one hour before
meals and one in mid-evening, if desired, to overcome night hunger.
The usual adult dose of diethylpropion controlled release is
one 75 mg tablet taken once daily in mid-morning, swallowed whole. This
medication should not be used for more than 4 weeks.
This medication may be taken with or without food. The
controlled release tablet must be swallowed whole and not crushed or split.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of
the reach of children.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Diethylpropion should not be taken by anyone who:
- has advanced arteriosclerosis
- is subject to agitated states
- is allergic to sympathomimetic amines (e.g.,
amphetamines, methylphenidate) or to any of the ingredients of the
medication
- has a history of drug abuse
- has glaucoma
- has heart disease
- has a heart murmur or valvular heart disease
- has high blood pressure
- has kidney disease
- is taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine or
tranylcypromine), or has taken them within the past 14 days
- has a history of or family history of mental illness
- is taking other appetite suppressants
- has an overactive thyroid
- has a condition known as pulmonary artery
hypertension
