Phentermine (US brand name Adipex-P®, Lomaira™, and generic) is a sympathomimetic amine anorectic. Here is basic information about this medication.
FDA-approved indications
Short-term adjunct (a few weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on exercise, behavioral modification and caloric restriction in the management of exogenous obesity for patients with an initial body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 or greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors (e.g., controlled hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia)
Dosage
1. Adipex-P®
Usual dose is one tablet (37.5 mg) daily, taken before breakfast or 1 to 2 hours after breakfast for appetite control
Dosage should be individualized to obtain an adequate response with the lowest effective dose. Some patients may need to be prescribed half a tablet (18.75 mg) once daily, while others may need half a tablet (18.75 mg) twice daily.
2. Lomaira™
Usual dose is 8 mg, three times daily, 30 minutes before meals. The tablets are scored to allow administration of one-half of the usual dosage for patients not requiring the full dose.
Administration instructions
– Phentermine should not be taken late in the evening because that can cause insomnia.
– Phentermine is not recommended for children 16 years or younger.
Dosage forms and strengths
Adipex-P® (brand name) tablets: 37.5 mg. The tablets are oblong and scored (Prescribing Information)
Lomaira™ (brand name) tablets: 8 mg. The tablets are butterfly-shaped, white with blue speckles, and scored (Prescribing Information)
Phentermine (generic) tablets: 8 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg, 37.5 mg
Phentermine (generic) capsules: 15 mg, 30 mg, 37.5 mg
Please refer to Prescribing Information (see links below) for a complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.
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References
Prescribing Information for phentermine (Adipex-P®)
Prescribing Information for phentermine (Lomaira™)
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