| Indication | For the management of obesity including weight loss and maintenance of weight loss in patients on a reduced calorie diet |
| Pharmacodynamics | Used to treat diabetes and obesity, Dexfenfluramine decreases caloric intake by increasing serotonin levels in the brain’s synapses. Dexfenfluramine acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It also causes release of serotonin from the synaptosomes. |
| Mechanism of action | Dexfenfluramine binds to the serotonin reuptake pump. This causes inhbition of serotonin reuptake. The increased levels of serotonin lead to greater serotonin receptor activation which in turn lead to enhancement of serotoninergic transmission in the centres of feeding behavior located in the hypothalamus. This suppresses the appetite for carbohydrates. |
| Absorption | Well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. |
| Volume of distribution | Not Available |
| Protein binding | 36% |
| Metabolism | Not Available |
| Route of elimination | Not Available |
| Half life | 17-20 hours |
| Clearance | Not Available |
| Toxicity | Symptoms of overdose include respiratory failure and cardiac arrest leading to death. |