Diethylpropion
Diethylpropion is an anorexiant medication used as a short-term adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program for weight management in patients with obesity.
A short-term appetite suppressant used to support weight loss when combined with diet and exercise in patients with obesity.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A08AA03
- RxNorm
- 3389
- Generic
- Diethylpropion
- Class
- atc-a08
- Brands
- Tenuate
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- safe
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- 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.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
generalavoid
Avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show teratogenic effects.
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during first trimester
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
Diethylpropion is excreted in breast milk. Do not use during breastfeeding.
monitor infant for irritability and feeding changes
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
adolescentsnot recommended
Not approved for use in patients under 18 years of age. Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric population.
n/a
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose
Use with caution in elderly patients. Start with lowest effective dose. Monitor for cardiovascular effects.
regular blood pressure and heart rate monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildmonitor closely
Use with caution in patients with mild renal impairment. Monitor renal function.
monitor renal function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid
Avoid use in patients with severe renal impairment. Drug accumulation may occur.
regular renal function monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose
Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Reduce dose and monitor liver function.
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
concurrent useavoid alcohol
Avoid concurrent alcohol use. Combination may cause additive CNS depression and increased risk of abuse.
monitor for signs of CNS depression
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Controlled substance schedule
Regulatory classification
Short-term weight management in patients with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight patients (BMI ≥27) with weight-related comorbidities, as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet, increased physical activity, and behavioral modification.
Acts as a sympathomimetic amine that stimulates the central nervous system, primarily affecting the hypothalamus to reduce appetite and food intake. It increases availability of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin.
Controlled substance with potential for dependence and abuse. Only recommended for short-term use (typically ≤12 weeks). Contraindicated in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, and history of substance abuse. Common side effects include dry mouth, insomnia, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and constipation. Should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
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 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy