Dexfenfluramine

Dexfenfluramine is a pharmacological agent that was once used as an appetite suppressant in the management of obesity. It is the dextrorotatory form of fenfluramine, part of the fen-phen anti-obesity medication. However, due to concerns over its safety, dexfenfluramine was withdrawn from the market.

Medical Uses

Dexfenfluramine was primarily prescribed for individuals who were significantly overweight and for whom diet and exercise had not been effective. It worked by reducing appetite, thereby decreasing food intake.

Mechanism of Action

The drug functioned by increasing the release of serotonin in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter known to regulate mood and appetite. By enhancing serotonin levels, dexfenfluramine reduced appetite and food consumption. However, its exact mechanism of action was more complex and involved multiple neurotransmitter systems.

Side Effects

While dexfenfluramine was effective in reducing appetite, it was associated with several serious side effects. These included pulmonary hypertension, a rare but potentially fatal disorder, and heart valve problems. The risk of these side effects led to its withdrawal from the market.

Withdrawal from Market

In 1997, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested the withdrawal of dexfenfluramine after confirming the association between the drug and serious cardiac side effects. Similar actions were taken in other countries, leading to a global discontinuation of the drug.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The withdrawal of dexfenfluramine raised significant legal and ethical issues, including the adequacy of drug testing and approval processes, the responsibility of pharmaceutical companies in ensuring drug safety, and the role of regulatory agencies in protecting public health.

Current Status

As of the last update, dexfenfluramine is no longer available on the market, and its use is not recommended due to the risks associated with its consumption. Research into safer and more effective treatments for obesity continues.

See Also

• Obesity
• Appetite suppressant
• Serotonin
• Pulmonary hypertension