What is diethylpropion?

Diethylpropion hydrochloride is available for oral administration in immediate-release tablets containing 25 mg diethylpropion hydrochloride. The inactive ingredients in each immediate-release tablet are: crospovidone, lactose anhydrous, magnesium stearate, starch pregelatinized and tartaric acid. Diethylpropion hydrochloride is a sympathomimetic agent. The chemical name for diethylpropion hydrochloride is 1-phenyl-2-diethylamino-1-propanone hydrochloride. Its chemical structure is: chemical structure

What kind of drug is diethylpropion?

The FDA classifies diethylpropion as a sympathomimetic amine anorectic. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.

Can you take diethylpropion with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run diethylpropion against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

What brand names is diethylpropion sold under?

We track 5 diethylpropion-containing products in the U.S.: Diethylpropion Hydrochloride, Tenuate Dospan, Tenuate, Tepanil and Tepanil Ten-Tab. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

What forms does diethylpropion come in?

Across the brands we track, diethylpropion is currently marketed as tablet and tablet, extended release, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Is there a generic diethylpropion?

Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic diethylpropion product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Diethylpropion: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Diethylpropion is a sympathomimetic amine anorectic sold in the U.S. under 5 brand and generic names, for obesity. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sourcesHow we research

Key facts

Drug class: Sympathomimetic Amine Anorectic
Treats: Obesity
Available as: Tablet · Tablet, extended release
Sold as: 5 products — Diethylpropion Hydrochloride, Tenuate Dospan and Tenuate, and others
Prescription?: Prescription only
Generic available?: Yes
Typical price: about $8 for a 30-count supply

How diethylpropion is dosed

From the FDA label for Diethylpropion Hydrochloride (application ANDA040828). Other diethylpropion products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

Diethylpropion hydrochloride immediate-release: One immediate-release 25 mg tablet three times daily, one hour before meals, and in midevening if desired to overcome night hunger. Geriatric Use: This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function. (See PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use . )

Diethylpropion side effects

Cardiovascular: Precordial pain, arrhythmia (including ventricular), ECG changes, tachycardia, elevation of blood pressure, palpitation and rare reports of pulmonary hypertension. Valvular heart disease associated with the use of some anorectic agents such as fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, both independently and especially when used in combination, have been reported. Valvulopathy has been very rarely reported with diethylpropion hydrochloride monotherapy, but the causal relationship remains uncertain. Central Nervous System: In a few epileptics an increase in convulsive episodes has been reported; rarely psychotic episodes at recommended doses; dyskinesia, blurred vision, overstimulation, nervousness, restlessness, dizziness, jitteriness, insomnia, anxiety, euphoria, depression, dysphoria, tremor, mydriasis, drowsiness, malaise, headache, and cerebrovascular accident Gastrointestinal: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, dryness of the mouth, unpleasant taste, nausea, constipation, other gastrointestinal disturbances Allergic: Urticaria, rash, ecchymosis, erythema Endocrine: Impotence, changes in libido, gynecomastia, menstrual upset Hematopoietic System: Bone marrow depression, agranulocytosis, leukopenia Miscellaneous: A variety of miscellaneous adverse reactions has been reported by physicians. These include complaints such as dysuria, dyspnea, hair loss, muscle…

Who shouldn’t take diethylpropion

Pulmonary hypertension, advanced arteriosclerosis, hyperthyroidism, known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to the sympathomimetic amines, glaucoma, severe hypertension. (See PRECAUTIONS .) Agitated states. Patients with a history of drug abuse. Use in combination with other anorectic agents is contraindicated. During or within 14 days following the administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, hypertensive crises may result.

Every diethylpropion product we track (5)

Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.

Diethylpropion products
#	Drug	Rating	Type	Form	Generic?	Typical price
1	Diethylpropion Hydrochloride	70/100	Prescription	Tablet	Generic	$8	View →
2	Tenuate Dospan	70/100	Prescription	Tablet	Generic

What diethylpropion pills look like

Imprint codes, colour and shape from the FDA’s labelling data. Match the imprint on your pill — or search any imprint.

Diethylpropion pill imprints
Imprint	Strength	Colour	Shape	Maker
LCI;1477	75 mg	white	oval	—
LCI;1477	75 mg	white	oval	—
K;44	25 mg	white	round	—
LCI;1475	25 mg	white	round	—
LCI;1477	75 mg	white	oval	—

Frequently asked questions

What is diethylpropion?: Diethylpropion hydrochloride is available for oral administration in immediate-release tablets containing 25 mg diethylpropion hydrochloride. The inactive ingredients in each immediate-release tablet are: crospovidone, lactose anhydrous, magnesium stearate, starch pregelatinized and tartaric acid. Diethylpropion hydrochloride is a sympathomimetic agent. The chemical name for diethylpropion hydrochloride is 1-phenyl-2-diethylamino-1-propanone hydrochloride. Its chemical structure is: chemical structure
What kind of drug is diethylpropion?: The FDA classifies diethylpropion as a sympathomimetic amine anorectic. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
Can you take diethylpropion with other medicines?: It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run diethylpropion against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is diethylpropion sold under?: We track 5 diethylpropion-containing products in the U.S.: Diethylpropion Hydrochloride, Tenuate Dospan, Tenuate, Tepanil and Tepanil Ten-Tab. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
What forms does diethylpropion come in?: Across the brands we track, diethylpropion is currently marketed as tablet and tablet, extended release, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.
Is there a generic diethylpropion?: Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic diethylpropion product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.