| Item |
Information |
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Drug Groups
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illicit; approved |
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Description
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A appetite depressant considered to produce less central nervous system disturbance than most drugs in this therapeutic category. It is also considered to be among the safest for patients with hypertension. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p2290) |
| Indication |
Used in the management of exogenous obesity as a short-term adjunct (a few weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction. |
| Pharmacology |
Diethylpropion is a sympathomimetic stimulant drug marketed as an appetite suppressant. Chemically, it is the N,N-diethyl analog of cathinone. Its mechanism of action is similar to other appetite suppressants such as sibutramine, phentermine and dextroamphetamine. |
| Toxicity |
The reported oral LD50 for mice is 600 mg/kg, for rats is 250 mg/kg and for dogs is 225 mg/kg. Manifestation of acute overdosage include restlessness, tremor, hyperreflexia, rapid respiration, confusion, assaultiveness, hallucinations, and panic states. |
| Affected Organisms |
| • |
Humans and other mammals |
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| Biotransformation |
Extensively metabolized through a complex pathway of biotransformation involving N-dealkylation and reduction. Many of these metabolites are biologically active and may participate in the therapeutic action of diethylpropion. |
| Absorption |
Diethylpropion is rapidly absorbed from the GI tract after oral administration. |
| Half Life |
Using a phosphorescence assay that is specific for basic compounds containing benzoyl group, the plasma half-life of the aminoketone metabolites is estimated to be between 4 to 6 hours. |
| Elimination |
Diethylpropion is rapidly absorbed from the GI tract after oral administration and is extensively metabolized through a complex pathway of biotransformation involving N-dealkylation and reduction. Diethylpropion and/or its active metabolites are believed to cross the blood-brain barrier and the placenta. Diethylpropion and its metabolites are excreted mainly by the kidney. |
| References |
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Adan RA, Vanderschuren LJ, la Fleur SE: Anti-obesity drugs and neural circuits of feeding. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2008 Apr;29(4):208-17. Epub 2008 Mar 18.
[Pubmed]
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| • |
Arias HR, Santamaria A, Ali SF: Pharmacological and neurotoxicological actions mediated by bupropion and diethylpropion. Int Rev Neurobiol. 2009;88:223-55.
[Pubmed]
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| External Links |
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