USES
 Oral phentermine hydrochloride is used as an appetite suppressant used for short-term treatment of exogenous obesity,It is used in conjunction with an overall diet plan to reduce weight.
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HOW IT WORKS
It works by stimulating a gland, called the hypothalamus, and affecting certain neurotransmitters to decrease appetite. Because phentermine hydrochloride is similar chemically to amphetamines, it has the potential for psychological dependency; it should be used with caution
 

HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION
This medication is best taken on an empty stomach one half-hour before breakfast. Because this medication may cause sleeplessness, avoid taking a dose late in the day. Take this medication as prescribed. Do not take it more often or longer than directed. 
 

SIDE EFFECTS
Dry mouth, sleeplessness, irritability, stomach upset or constipation may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
 

DOSAGE
Adults Under 60
  Capsules:15 to 37.5 mg every morning before breakfast or 1 to 2 
hours after breakfast.
  Tablets:15 to 37.5 mg every morning before breakfast or 1 to 2 
hours after breakfast. Alternatively, take 15 to 37.5 mg in divided 
doses one-half hour before meals.
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Adults 60 and Over
Reduced dosage may be necessary. Consult your physician.
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Infants and Children
Use is not recommended.
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Maximum Dosage Recommendations
Do not exceed the recommended doses, unless deemed necessary by your doctor.
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If You Miss a Dose
Take as soon as possible. If close to the next dose, skip and take the next dose. Do not double the dose.
 

PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your complete medical history especially if you have high blood pressure, an over-active thyroid, glaucoma, diabetes or emotional problems. Consult with your doctor if you think you are pregnant or before breast-feeding. Alcohol can increase unwanted side effects of dizziness. Limit alcohol use. This drug is not recommended for use in children. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.
 

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DRUG INTERACTIONS
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use, (prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take high blood pressure medicine or MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) or any other weight loss medicine. Decongestants are commonly found in over-the-counter cough and cold medicine.
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DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE
Phentermine is related chemically and pharmacologically to the amphetamines.
Amphetamines and related stimulant drugs have been extensively abused, and the possibility of abuse of Phentermine should be kept in mind when evaluating the desirability of including a drug as part of a weight reduction program. 
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Abuse of amphetamines and related drugs may be associated with intense psychological dependence and severe social dysfunction. There are reports of patients who have increased the dosage to many times that recommended. Abrupt cessation following prolonged high dosage administration results in extreme fatigue and mental depression; changes are also noted on the sleep EEG. 
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Manifestations of chronic intoxication with anorectic drugs include severe dermatoses, marked insomnia, irritability, hyperactivity and personality changes. The most severe manifestation of chronic intoxications is psychosis, often clinically indistinguishable from schizophrenia. 
 

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WARNINGS
Tolerance to the anorectic effect usually develops within a few weeks. When this occurs, the recommended dose should not be exceeded in an attempt to increase the effect; rather, the drug should be discontinued.  Phentermine hydrochloride may impair the ability of the patient to engage in potentially hazardous activities such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle; the patient should therefore be cautioned accordingly.

Usage in Pregnancy: Safe use in pregnancy has not been established. Use of phentermine hydrochloride by women who are or who may become pregnant, and those in the first trimester of pregnancy, requires that the potential benefit be weighed against the possible hazard to mother and infant.

Usage in Children: Phentermine hydrochloride is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age.
 
 

OVERDOSAGE
Manifestations of acute overdosage with phentermine include restlessness, tremor, hyperreflexia, rapid respiration, confusion, assaultiveness, hallucinations, panic states. Fatigue and depression usually follow the central stimulation. Cardiovascular effects include arrhythmias, hypertension or hypotension, and circulatory collapse. Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Fatal poisoning usually terminates in convulsions and coma.

Management of acute phentermine intoxication is largely symptomatic and includes lavage and sedation with a barbiturate. Experience with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is inadequate to permit recommendations in this regard. Acidification of the urine increases phentermine excretion. Intravenous phentolamine (REGITINE) has been suggested for possible acute, severe hypertension, if this complicates phentermine overdosage.
 
 

NOTES
Appetite suppressants are not a substitute for proper diet. For maximum effects, this must be used in conjunction with a diet and exercise program. Do not share this medication with others. 
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STORAGE
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.