Central Stimulant/Anorexiant
PREGNANCY RECOMMENDATION: Contraindicated
BREASTFEEDING RECOMMENDATION: Contraindicated
PREGNANCY SUMMARY
It is doubtful if any real benefit is derived from the use of phendimetrazine for weight control during pregnancy, and its use during gestation, especially during the 1st trimester, should be considered contraindicated. (See also Phentermine or Amphetamine.)
FETAL RISK SUMMARY
Phendimetrazine is a sympathomimetic amine that has pharmacologic activity similar to the amphetamines. No animal or human reproductive data are available. It is indicated for the management of exogenous obesity as a short-term adjunct (a few weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction. Its activity is similar to amphetamines. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted (1).
It is not known if phendimetrazine crosses the human placenta. The molecular weight (about 191 for the free base) is low enough, but its hydrophilic nature should limit the exposure of the embryo–fetus.
BREASTFEEDING SUMMARY
No reports describing the use phendimetrazine during lactation have been located. The molecular weight (191 for the free base) is low enough for excretion into breast milk. Milk is slightly acidic compared with plasma and ion trapping could result in milk:plasma ratios >1. Because CNS stimulation and other adverse reactions may occur in a nursing infant exposed to this drug in milk, breastfeeding should be considered a contraindication if the mother is taking phendimetrazine.
Reference
1.Product information. Phendimetrazine tartrate. Milkart, 1996.