ABSTRACT
This chapter describes trade name, classification, approved indications for psychological disorders, available dosage forms, storage, and compatibility, usual dosage and administration, relative contraindications, and clinically significant drug interactions of fenfluramine. Fenfluramine pharmacotherapy may be prescribed as an adjunct to appropriate psychotherapy, which includes strategies to suppress appetite and reduce the excessive ingestion of calories, among patients who have exogenous obesity. The development of tolerance to the anorexiant action of fenfluramine and other related drugs is the limiting factor. Fenfluramine also has sedative action that may be of benefit to patients when dosed in the evening. Fenfluramine is a sympathomimetic amine amphetamine congener with anorexiant action. Fenfluramine is lipid soluble and widely distributed to most body tissues. It is metabolized in the liver. Fenfluramine, its de-ethylated metabolite norfenfluramine, and its final metabolite m-trifluoromethyl-hippuric acid are primarily excreted in the urine. Fenfluramine pharmacotherapy also has been commonly associated with diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, and urinary frequency.
