Health Topic: Medications Used for Weight Loss

Meridia (Sibutramine)
Manufacturer: Abbott
Dosing: 5-15mg once daily
Schedule: C-V
Mechanism of Action: Appetite suppressant- Combined norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitor
Adverse Effects: modest elevations in heart rate and blood pressure, nervousness, and insomnia
Xenical (Orlistat)
Manufacturer: Roche
Dosing: 120mg three times daily before meals
Schedule: none
Mechanism of Action: Lipase inhibitor – decreased absorption of fat
Adverse Effects: GI- oily stools, diarrhea, flatulence, bloating, abdominal pain, and dyspepsia
Alli (see previous post in this blog)
Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline
Dosing: 60mg three times daily before meals
Schedule: none
OTC
Adipex-P (Phentermine)
Manufacturer: Teva
Dosing: 37.5mg once daily, generally given before breakfast
Schedule: C-IV
Mechanism of Action: Appetite suppressant- sympathomimetic amine
Adverse Effects: palpitations, tachycardia, and GI
Tenuate Dospan (Diethylpropion)
Manufacturer: Sanofi-aventis
Dosing: 75mg once daily (for controlled-release formulation)
Schedule: C-IV
Mechanism of Action: Appetite suppressant- sympathomimetic amine
Adverse Effects: palpitations, tachycardia, insomnia and GI



Adapted from Pharmacy Today 13(4), 2007