Tenuate

Generic name: Diethylpropion hydrochloride

What is Tenuate?

Tenuate is an appetite suppressant used for short-term (a few weeks) as part of an overall diet plan for weight reduction. It should be used with a behavior modification program.

What is the most important information I should know about Tenuate?

Tenuate is habit-forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on this medication. You may experience withdrawal if you stop taking it suddenly after several weeks of continuous use.

If Tenuate loses its effectiveness, you should stop taking the medicine rather than increase the dosage.

Tenuate should be used with caution in patients with mild heart disease or high blood pressure, and regular monitoring of heart function and blood pressure is indicated in such patients receiving this medication.

Tenuate may increase the incidence of convulsions in some epileptic patients. Therefore, caution is required if the drug is administered to epileptic patients.

Appetite suppressants, including Tenuate increase the risk of developing primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), which occurs when blood pressure in the artery connecting the heart and lung (pulmonary artery) is higher than normal. PPH is an often fatal disorder.

Who should not take Tenuate?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Tenuate or other appetite suppressants, you should not take this medication.

Do not take Tenuate if you have severe hardening of the arteries, an overactive thyroid, glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), heart murmur, valvular heart disease, pulmonary artery hypertension, or severe heart disease, including arrhythmia and high blood pressure. Do not take Tenuate if you are agitated, or have a history of drug abuse. Do no take this medication if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine or if you have taken one within the last 14 days. If you have taken another weight loss agent within the past year, do not use Tenuate.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Tenuate?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicationS you are taking before beginning treatment with Tenuate. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have used other weight loss agents or have a history of heart disease, heart murmur or valvular heart disease, high blood pressure, or epilepsy/seizure disorders.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Tenuate Immediate-Release

Adults: The usual dosage is one 25-milligram (mg) tablet taken 3 times a day, 1 hour before meals. You may choose to take 1 tablet in the middle of the evening to overcome night hunger.

Tenuate Controlled-Release

Adults: The usual dosage is one 75-mg tablet taken once daily, swallowed whole, in the midmorning.

Tenuate should not be taken beyond a period of 4 weeks. In order to minimize the potential of abuse, the least amount feasible should be prescribed or dispensed at one time (not to exceed a 2-week supply) in order to minimize the possibility of abuse.

How should I take Tenuate?

Take Tenuate exactly as prescribed. If you are taking the controlled-release Tenuate, do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow the medication whole.

What should I avoid while taking Tenuate?

Tenuate may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness. Avoid activities that require full mental alertness until you know how you respond to the drug.

Do not drink alcohol while taking Tenuate. Avoid simultaneous use of caffeine with Tenuate.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Tenuate?

If Tenuate is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Tenuate with the following: appetite suppressants, such as phentermine, guanethidine, insulin, methyldopa, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine, phenothiazines, such as the major tranquilizer chlorpromazine, stimulants, such as amphetamine or methylphenidate.

What are the possible side effects of Tenuate?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: abnormal redness of the skin, anxiety, blurred vision, breast development in males, depression, dizziness, hives, impotence, increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, nausea, stomach and intestinal disturbances, vomiting, insomnia, nervousness, agitation, dry mouth

Can I receive Tenuate if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Tenuate during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tenuate should not be used during pregnancy, unless, in the opinion of the prescribing doctor, the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. Use in a nursing woman is not recommended. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Tenuate?

If you take 1 dose a day, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and just take your 1 tablet for that day. If you take more than 1 dose a day, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next usual dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

How should I store Tenuate?

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat.