Chlorphentermine

Chlorphentermine (trade names Apsedon, Desopimon, Lucofen) is a stimulant drug which was used as an appetite suppressant. Developed in 1962, it is the 4-chloro derivative of the better known appetite suppressant phentermine,^[1] which is still in current use.

Additional recommended knowledge

Safe Weighing Range Ensures Accurate Results

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

Daily Sensitivity Test

Chlorphentermine itself is a relatively weak stimulant with little abuse potential, but is classed as a Schedule 3 drug in the USA due mainly to its similarity to other appetite suppressants such as diethylpropion which have been more widely abused. It is no longer used due mainly to safety concerns, as it has a serotonergic effects profile similar to other withdrawn appetite suppressants such as fenfluramine and aminorex which were found to cause pulmonary hypertension and cardiac fibrosis following prolonged use.^[2]

References

1. ^ Gylys JA, Hart JJ, Warren MR. Chlorphentermine, a new anorectic agent. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 1962 Sep;137:365-73.
2. ^ Rothman RB, Ayestas MA, Dersch CM, Baumann MH. Aminorex, fenfluramine, and chlorphentermine are serotonin transporter substrates. Implications for primary pulmonary hypertension. Circulation. 1999 Aug 24;100(8):869-75.