Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Fenfluramine HCl oral

Fenfluramine HCl oral Drug Category FENFLURAMINE - ORAL

Fenfluramine HCl oral Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. FENFLURAMINE - ORAL (fen-FLEW-ruh-meen) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pondimin USES: This medication is used as an appetite suppressant. It is used in conjunction with an overall diet plan to reduce weight. This drug has been withdrawn from the U.S. market due to safety or effectiveness problems. HOW TO USE: This medication is usually taken three times a day 30-60 minutes before a meal. Take this medication as prescribed. Do not take it more often or longer than directed. SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dry mouth and diarrhea have been reported. Diarrhea usually occurs during the first week. Call your doctor if it should become severe. Other, more rare side effects include: blurred vision, decreased sexual desire or impotence, dizziness, nervousness, increased urination, nausea, constipation, and altered dreaming. Notify your doctor if you experience: depression, skin rash (or hives), difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, chest pain, increased blood pressure, swelling of the feet or hands, fainting, tire quickly when you hadn't previously. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor of any allergies and other ill- nesses you have, especially of: diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid problems, emotional problems or mood changes, history of alcohol abuse, seizures, eating disorders. Because fenfluramine can cause dizziness and drowsiness, care should be taken in operating machinery or driving a vehicle and alcohol should be avoided. This medication may be habit forming. Use in children 12 years old or younger is not recommended. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: guanethidine, reserpine, methyldopa, insulin, drugs that cause drowsiness (e.g., sleep medications, narcotic pain relievers, antidepressants), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), sumatriptan, dexfenfluramine, venlafaxine, other diet aid medicines. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include agitation, drowsiness, flushing, tremor, shivering, fever, sweating, stomach pain, dilated pupils, fast heartbeat, and seizures. NOTES: Appetite suppressants are not a substitute for proper diet. For maximum effects, this must be used in conjunction with a diet and exercise program. Heart examinations are recommended if the phentermine and fenfluramine ("phen-fen") combination is used. Do not share this medication with others. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, do not double the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.