From the Guidelines
The maximum recommended dose of Tenuate (diethylpropion) is 75 mg daily. This dosage is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which suggests that diethylpropion monotherapy is approved by the FDA for short-term use (12 weeks) 1. For the immediate-release formulation, this is typically divided as 25 mg taken three times daily before meals. For the controlled-release formulation (Tenuate Dospan), the maximum dose is 75 mg once daily, usually taken in the mid-morning.
Important Considerations
- Tenuate is a sympathomimetic amine with pharmacological properties similar to amphetamines and is approved for short-term use (a few weeks) as an adjunct to diet and exercise for weight reduction in obesity 1.
- It works by suppressing appetite through stimulation of the central nervous system, primarily by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels.
- Patients should not exceed these maximum dosages as higher doses increase the risk of adverse effects including insomnia, nervousness, dizziness, increased blood pressure, and potential for dependence without providing additional therapeutic benefit.
- Tenuate is contraindicated in patients with severe hypertension, cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, history of drug abuse, or during or within 14 days of taking MAO inhibitors.
Key Points to Consider
- Diethylpropion should be avoided in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease 1.
- Blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored periodically while taking diethylpropion 1.
- Given the chronic nature of weight management, many practitioners use diethylpropion longer than 12 weeks in an off-label fashion 1.
From the Research
Maximum Recommended Dose of Tenuate (Diethylpropion)
- The maximum recommended dose of Tenuate (diethylpropion) is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5.
- However, a study from 1975 6 mentions the use of a long-acting form of diethylpropion hydrochloride (Tenuate Dospan) in obese patients, but it does not specify the maximum recommended dose.
- Another study from 2005 5 provides a meta-analysis of pharmacologic treatments for obesity, including diethylpropion, but it does not mention the maximum recommended dose.
- It is essential to consult the prescribing information or a healthcare professional to determine the maximum recommended dose of Tenuate (diethylpropion) for a specific patient.
Available Information on Diethylpropion
- A study from 1975 6 reports that diethylpropion hydrochloride (Tenuate Dospan) was effective in promoting weight loss in obese patients.
- The 2005 meta-analysis 5 reports a pooled mean difference in weight loss at 6 months of 3.0 kg (CI, -1.6 to 11.5 kg) for diethylpropion-treated patients.
- However, the maximum recommended dose of diethylpropion is not specified in these studies.