Didrex
Didrex Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
A sympathomimetic agent with properties similar to dextroamphetamine. It is used in the treatment of obesity. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p1222)
Didrex, a phenylalkylamin, is related to amphetamine both chemically and pharmacologically. It is an anorectic agent indicated in the management of exogenous obesity as a short term adjunct (a few weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction. Didrex 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.
| Trade Name | Didrex |
| Availability | Prescription only |
| Generic | Benzphetamine |
| Benzphetamine Other Names | (S)-benzphetamine, Benzaphetamine, Benzfetamina, Benzfetamine, Benzfetaminum, Benzphetamine, Benzylamphetamine |
| Related Drugs | phentermine, semaglutide, Wegovy, Saxenda, liraglutide, Alli |
| Weight | 25mg, 50mg, |
| Type | Oral tablet |
| Formula | C17H21N |
| Weight | Average: 239.3553 Monoisotopic: 239.167399677 |
| Protein binding | 75-99% |
| Groups | Approved, Illicit |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | United States, |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Didrex is a sympathomimetic used to manage exogenous obesity short term.
For the management of exogenous obesity as a short term adjunct (a few weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction
Didrex is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: BMI >30 kg/m2
How Didrex works
The mechanism of action of these drugs is not fully understood, however it may be similar to that of amphetamines. Amphetamines stimulate noepinephrine and dopamine release in nerve endings in the lateral hypothalamic feeding centre, decreasing appetite. This release is mediated by the binding of benzphetamine to centrally located adrenergic receptors.
Toxicity
LD50=160 mg/kg (orally in rats). Acute overdosage may result in restlessness, tremor, tachypnea, confusion, assaultiveness, and panic states.
Food Interaction
- Limit caffeine intake. Excess caffeine intake may increase the CNS stimulation caused by benzphetamine hydrochloride.
[Moderate] GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate the central nervous system and cardiovascular effects of centrally-acting appetite suppressants.
In one study, concurrent administration of methamphetamine (30 mg intravenously) and ethanol (1 gm This increases cardiac work and myocardial oxygen consumption, which may lead to more adverse cardiovascular effects than either agent alone. Subjective effects of ethanol were diminished in the eight study subjects, but those of methamphetamine were not affected. The pharmacokinetics of methamphetamine were also unaffected except for a decrease in the apparent volume of distribution at steady state. Patients should be counselled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.
MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of centrally-acting appetite suppressants and alcohol should be avoided if possible, especially in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease.
Didrex Hypertension interaction
[Major] The use of CNS stimulants is contraindicated in patients with significant cardiovascular impairment such as uncompensated heart failure, severe coronary disease, severe hypertension (including that associated with hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma), cardiac structural abnormalities, serious arrhythmias, etc.
Sudden death has been reported in adults and children taking CNS stimulant treatment.
Additionally, stroke, myocardial infarction, chest pain, syncope, arrhythmias and other symptoms have been reported in adults under treatment.
A careful assessment of the cardiovascular status should be done in patients being considered for treatment.
This includes family history, physical exam and further cardiac evaluation (EKG and echocardiogram).
Patients who develop symptoms should have a detailed cardiac evaluation and if needed, treatment should be suspended.
Hypertension interaction[Major] CNS stimulant medications have shown to increase blood pressure, and their use might be contraindicated in patients with severe hypertension.
Caution should be used when administering to patients with preexisting high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions.
All patients under treatment should be regularly monitored for changes in blood pressure and heart rate.
Didrex Drug Interaction
Major: bupropion / naltrexone, bupropion / naltrexone, escitalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluoxetine, phentermine / topiramate, phentermine / topiramateModerate: albuterol, albuterolUnknown: diphenhydramine, diphenhydramine, amphetamine, amphetamine, acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine, acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine, clonazepam, clonazepam, cholecalciferol, cholecalciferol
Didrex Disease Interaction
Major: cardiovascular, glaucoma, agitation, cardiac disease, glaucoma, hypertension, liver disease, psychiatric disorders, pulmonary hypertension, substance abuse, ticsModerate: bipolar disorders, diabetes, psychotic disorders, renal dysfunction, seizure disorders, diabetics
Elimination Route
Readily absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract and buccal mucosa. It Is resistant to metabolism by monoamine oxidase.
Half Life
16 to 31 hours
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Didrex
