diethylpropion hydrochloride
Pharmaranks rates Diethylpropion Hydrochloride 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Diethylpropion Hydrochloride is a sympathomimetic amine anorectic used to treat Obesity.
Sympathomimetic Amine Anorectic · by Epic Pharma LLC
Generic of Tenuate Dospan
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Diethylpropion Hydrochloride
- Drug class
- Sympathomimetic Amine Anorectic
- Form
- Tablet
- Strength
- Diethylpropion Hydrochloride 25MG
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Generic
- May treat
- obesity
- Manufacturer
- Epic Pharma LLC
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$7.96 for 30 — not your price
- FDA application
- ANDA040828
- Availability
- Discontinued (per FDA)
What is Diethylpropion Hydrochloride?
From the FDA label: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
How to use
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 . )
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…
Warnings
Important safety information
Diethylpropion hydrochloride should not be used in combination with other anorectic agents, including prescribed drugs, over-the-counter preparations, and herbal products. In a case-control epidemiological study, the use of anorectic agents, including diethylpropion, was associated with an increased risk of developing pulmonary hypertension, a rare, but often fatal disorder. The use of anorectic agents for longer than 3 months was associated with a 23-fold increase in the risk of developing pulmonary hypertension. Increased risk of pulmonary hypertension with repeated courses of therapy cannot be excluded. The onset or aggravation of exertional dyspnea, or unexplained symptoms of angina pectoris, syncope, or lower extremity edema suggest the possibility of occurrence of pulmonary hypertension. Under these circumstances, diethylpropion hydrochloride should be immediately discontinued, and the patient should be evaluated for the possible presence of pulmonary hypertension. Valvular heart disease associated with the use of some anorectic agents such as fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine has been reported. Possible contributing factors include use for extended periods of time, higher than recommended dose, and/or use in combination with other anorectic drugs. Valvulopathy has been very rarely reported with diethylpropion hydrochloride monotherapy, but the causal relationship remains uncertain. The potential risk of possible serious adverse effects such as valvular heart disease and pulmonary hypertension should be assessed carefully against the potential benefit of weight loss. Baseline cardiac evaluation should be considered to detect preexisting valvular heart diseases or pulmonary hypertension prior to initiation of diethylpropion hydrochloride treatment. Diethylpropion hydrochloride is not recommended in patients with known heart murmur or valvular heart disease. Echocardiogram during and after treatment could be useful for detecting any valvular disorders which may occur. To limit unwarranted exposure and risks, treatment with diethylpropion hydrochloride should be continued only if the patient has satisfactory weight loss within the first 4 weeks of treatment (e.g., weight loss of at least 4 pounds, or as determined by the physician and patient). Diethylpropion hydrochloride is not recommended for patients who used any anorectic agents within the prior year. If tolerance develops, the recommended dose should not be exceeded in an attempt to increase the effect; rather, the drug should be discontinued. Diethylpropion hydrochloride may impair the ability of the patient to engage in potentially hazardous activities such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle; the patient should therefore be cautioned accordingly. Prolonged use of diethylpropion hydrochloride may induce dependence with withdrawal syndrome on cessation of therapy. Hallucinations have occurred rarely following high doses of the drug. Several cases of toxic psychosis have been reported following the excessive use of the drug and some have been reported in which the recommended dose appears not to have been exceeded. Psychosis abated after the drug was discontinued. When central nervous system active agents are used, consideration must always be given to the possibility of adverse interactions with alcohol.
Who should not take Diethylpropion Hydrochloride
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.
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Manifestations of acute overdosage include restlessness, tremor, hyperreflexia, rapid respiration, confusion, assaultiveness, hallucinations, panic states, and mydriasis. Fatigue and depression usually follow the central stimulation. Cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertension or hypotension and circulatory collapse. Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Overdose of pharmacologically similar compounds has resulted in convulsions, coma and death. The reported oral LD 50 for mice is 600 mg/kg, for rats is 250 mg/kg and for dogs is 225 mg/kg. Management of acute diethylpropion hydrochloride intoxication is largely symptomatic and includes lavage and sedation with a barbiturate. Experience with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is inadequate to permit recommendation in this regard. Intravenous phentolamine (Regitine ® ) has been suggested on pharmacologic grounds for possible acute, severe hypertension, if this complicates diethylpropion hydrochloride overdosage.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Because diethylpropion hydrochloride is a monoamine, hypertension may result when this agent is used with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ). Efficacy of diethylpropion with other anorectic agents has not been studied and the combined use may have the potential for serious cardiac problems; therefore, the concomitant use with other anorectic agents is contraindicated. Antidiabetic drug requirements (i.e., insulin) may be altered. Concurrent use with general anesthetics may result in arrhythmias. The pressor effects of diethylpropion and those of other drugs may be additive when the drugs are used concomitantly; conversely, diethylpropion may interfere with antihypertensive drugs (i.e., guanethidine, α-methyldopa). Concurrent use of phenothiazines may antagonize the anorectic effect of diethylpropion.
Drug class
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
Dosage forms
Tablet
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
Compare alternatives
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Diethylpropion Hydrochloride treat?
- Diethylpropion Hydrochloride (Diethylpropion Hydrochloride) may be used to treat obesity, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How is Diethylpropion Hydrochloride rated?
- pharmaranks gives Diethylpropion Hydrochloride a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- How much does Diethylpropion Hydrochloride cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $7.96 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Diethylpropion Hydrochloride?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Diethylpropion Hydrochloride. To pay less, Diethylpropion Hydrochloride is already a generic — usually the lowest-cost version — so the main levers are comparing cash prices between pharmacies and using a pharmacy discount-card service. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Diethylpropion Hydrochloride?
- Diethylpropion Hydrochloride is marketed by Epic Pharma LLC. You can see Epic Pharma LLC's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Diethylpropion Hydrochloride a brand-name or generic drug?
- Diethylpropion Hydrochloride is a generic medication; its active ingredient is Diethylpropion Hydrochloride. Generics contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name original and are usually lower cost.
- Is Diethylpropion Hydrochloride available over the counter?
- No. Diethylpropion Hydrochloride is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Diethylpropion Hydrochloride come in?
- Diethylpropion Hydrochloride is currently marketed as tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Diethylpropion Hydrochloride?
- Diethylpropion Hydrochloride is classified as sympathomimetic amine anorectic, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Diethylpropion Hydrochloride FDA-registered?
- Diethylpropion Hydrochloride is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number ANDA040828. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Diethylpropion Hydrochloride been recalled by the FDA?
- Diethylpropion Hydrochloride has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Diethylpropion Hydrochloride safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Diethylpropion Hydrochloride a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Diethylpropion Hydrochloride?
- Diethylpropion Hydrochloride's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: 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 common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
What people report to the FDA about Diethylpropion Hydrochloride
The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) collects reports from patients and clinicians. It holds 66 reports naming Diethylpropion Hydrochloride, and the FDA flagged 59% of those reports as serious. The effects reported most often — leaving out reports about overdose, misuse or the condition being treated, which dominate the raw list for common medicines:
- vomiting9 reports
- dizziness8 reports
- small for dates baby6 reports
- alopecia5 reports
- anxiety5 reports
- depression5 reports
- fall5 reports
- foetal exposure during pregnancy5 reports
Read these as a signal, not a rate. A report does not mean Diethylpropion Hydrochloride caused the effect — anyone can file one, and many describe people taking several medicines for several conditions. Crucially there is no denominator: FAERS does not record how many people took the drug, so these counts cannot be turned into “X% of patients” — a bigger number often just means a more widely used or more talked-about drug. Duplicates exist, and publicity drives reporting. For what is actually established, read the FDA label.
Source: openFDA drug/event (FAERS), retrieved September 25, 2026.
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diethylpropion hydrochloride
70/100