Benfluorex Hydrochloride
Benfluorex Hydrochloride was an anorectic medication designed to suppress appetite and assist with weight management. It was primarily prescribed to help reduce food intake in patients struggling with obesity, and was sometimes used alongside diabetes management due to weight-related benefits. The medication was eventually withdrawn from markets due to safety concerns.
Benfluorex was an appetite suppressant used for weight management that was withdrawn due to cardiac safety concerns.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 235953
- Generic
- Benfluorex Hydrochloride
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Benfluorex was primarily used for weight reduction in obese patients, and was occasionally prescribed to help manage weight in patients with type 2 diabetes. It served as an adjunct to diet and exercise programs for weight management.
Benfluorex acted as an appetite suppressant, likely through serotonergic mechanisms similar to other compounds in the fenfluramine family. It worked by reducing feelings of hunger and helping patients consume fewer calories.
This medication has been withdrawn from the market in most countries, including the European Union, due to concerns about cardiac valve damage and other serious cardiovascular side effects. Patients who were prescribed benfluorex should have been advised to consult their healthcare provider for alternative weight management options. The drug is no longer available for new prescriptions.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy