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| Clinical data | |
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| Trade names | Bontril |
| Other names | Mephenmetrazine; (2S,3S)-3,4-Dimethyl-2-phenylmorpholine |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
| Routes of administration | By mouth |
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| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | Peak plasma levels occur within 1 to 3 hours. Absorption is usually complete by 4 to 6 hours |
| Metabolism | Liver |
| Elimination half-life | 19-24 hours |
| Excretion | Urinary elimination |
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.010.186 |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C12H17NO |
| Molar mass | 191.274 g·mol−1 |
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Phendimetrazine, sold under the brand name Bontril among others, is a stimulant medication of the morpholine chemical class used as an appetite suppressant. [2]
Phendimetrazine functions as a prodrug of phenmetrazine; approximately 30 percent of an oral dose is converted into it. Phendimetrazine can essentially be thought of as an extended-release formulation of phenmetrazine with less potential for abuse. Phendimetrazine is an anorectic drug which acts as a norepinephrine-dopamine releasing agent (NDRA). [3]
As an amphetamine congener, its structure incorporates the backbone of methamphetamine, a potent CNS stimulant. While the addition of an N-methyl group to amphetamine significantly increases its potency and bioavailability, methylation of phenmetrazine renders the compound virtually inactive. However, phendimetrazine is a prodrug for phenmetrazine which acts as the active metabolite. Phendimetrazine possesses preferable pharmacokinetics over phenmetrazine as a therapeutic agent because its metabolization by demethylases produces a more steady and prolonged exposure of active drug within the body. [4] This decreases abuse potential as the peak blood-concentration of active phenmetrazine that's produced from a single dose of phendimetrazine is lower than a single therapeutically equivalent dose of phenmetrazine.
Indicated as a short-term secondary treatment for exogenous obesity, phendimetrazine immediate-release 35mg tablets are typically consumed one hour before meals, not to exceed three doses daily. Phendimetrazine is also manufactured as a 105mg extended-release capsule for once daily dosing, typically consumed 30 to 60 minutes before a morning meal. Whereas the immediate-release formulation has a maximum daily dosage of 210mg (6 tablets), the extended-release capsules have a maximum daily dosage of 105mg (one capsule).
According to the List of Psychotropic Substances under International Control published by the International Narcotics Control Board, phendimetrazine is a Schedule III controlled substance under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances. [5]
The reaction between N-methylethanolamine and 2-bromopropiophenone gives compound (3), which is reductively cyclized using formic acid to synthesize phendimetrazine. [6] [7]
It is sold under various brand names including Bontril, Bontril PDM, Adipost, Anorex-SR, Appecon, Melfiat, Obezine, Phendiet, Plegine, Prelu-2, and Statobex. [8]