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Overview: Diethylpropion is used for weight loss. The most common side effects are related to its mild stimulant effects (increased blood pressure or heart rate, tremors, trouble sleeping). Diethylpropion is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store diethylpropion in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine. 

Uses

What is diethylpropion used for?

Diethylpropion is commonly used to help people with obesity lose weight.

Diethylpropion may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does diethylpropion work (mechanism of action)?

Diethylpropion is thought to help people lose weight by reducing appetite, which may help you want to eat less food.

How is diethylpropion supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Tenuate
  • Tepanil

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 25 mg oral tablets
  • 75 mg extended-release oral tablets

How should I store diethylpropion?

Diethylpropion should be stored tightly closed at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place, and protect from excessive heat. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of diethylpropion?

The most common side effects of diethylpropion are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Feeling of skipped heartbeats
  • Fast heartbeat
  • High blood pressure
  • Feeling restless
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of diethylpropion that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of diethylpropion?

While less common, the most serious side effects of diethylpropion are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Pulmonary Hypertension. Diethylpropion may increase your risk of having pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the blood vessels between your heart and your lungs), which can be life-threatening. The risk may be higher in those taking the medicine for longer periods. Stop taking diethylpropion and get help right away If you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Fainting 
  • Swelling in your legs

Heart Valve Problems. Diethylpropion or medicines like it may rarely cause problems with your heart valves, which can be serious. Stop taking diethylpropion and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Unusual shortness of breath
  • Feeling of skipped heartbeats
  • Chest pain
  • Swelling in the legs
  • Fainting or feeling dizzy

Severe Allergic Reactions. Diethylpropion may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking diethylpropion and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use diethylpropion?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take diethylpropion.

  • Tenuate
  • Tepanil
  • Diethylpropion
  • Any other medicine known as a sympathomimetic
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific diethylpropion products they stock.

Heart Disease. Diethylpropion should not be used by those with severely hardened arteries, also known as arteriosclerosis. 

High Blood Pressure. Diethylpropion should not be used by those with moderate to severe high blood pressure. 

Pulmonary Hypertension. Diethylpropion should not be used by those with pulmonary hypertension.

Thyroid Problems. Diethylpropion should not be used by those with an overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism. 

Agitation. Diethylpropion is not for people who feel restless, uneasy, or cranky. These feelings can be caused by stress and certain medical problems.

Substance Use Disorder. Diethylpropion should not be used by those with a history of substance use disorder.

Eye Problems. Diethylpropion should not be used by those with glaucoma. 

Drug Interactions. Diethylpropion should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking diethylpropion, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about diethylpropion before using it?

Do not take diethylpropion unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Take the immediate-release tablet one hour before meals. 

Take the extended-release tablet mid-morning. Do not crush, chew, or break the diethylpropion extended-release tablets. Swallow the whole tablet. 

Do not share diethylpropion with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep diethylpropion out of the reach of children. Diethylpropion is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store diethylpropion in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.

Diethylpropion can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how diethylpropion affects you.

Diethylpropion is usually only taken for a few weeks. This medicine may be habit-forming and has a risk of being misused. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it for a longer time than prescribed.

What should I tell my health care provider before using diethylpropion?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if diethylpropion is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart problems, heart murmur, or heart valve problems
  • Abnormal heart rate or rhythm
  • High blood pressure, including pulmonary hypertension
  • Glaucoma
  • Thyroid problems
  • Diabetes
  • Mental health problems, including substance use disorder
  • Use of another weight loss medicine or supplement within the last year
  • Seizures
  • Kidney problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how diethylpropion could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take diethylpropion while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Diethylpropion passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take diethylpropion while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does diethylpropion interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between diethylpropion and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect diethylpropion. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking diethylpropion. 

Does diethylpropion interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using diethylpropion.

  • Linezolid (Zyvox), which is a medicine used for certain bacterial infections
  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • A medicine or supplement for weight loss
  • A medicine for high blood pressure
  • A medicine for diabetes
  • A phenothiazine, such as chlorpromazine or prochlorperazine (Compro and others), which is a medicine that may be used to treat certain mental health conditions or severe nausea and vomiting

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with diethylpropion. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much diethylpropion?

If you or someone else has used too much diethylpropion, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of diethylpropion?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.