What are the Pharmaceutical Properties of Reductil?

Reductil is a medication sold in the United States under the brand name Meridia and in other countries as Sibutramine or Sibutrex. It is an appetite suppressant that is used to treat obesity. Its active ingredient is sibutramine hydrochloride.

Pharmaceutical Properties

• Reductil is a neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitor that works in the brain to decrease the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. In so doing, it reduces appetite. It contains the agents amphetamine and fenfluramine that force the release of these neurotransmitters. It does not demonstrate antidepressant properties.

Dosing

• Different patients will be prescribed a different dose of this medication. The starting dose for adults is 10 milligrams once a day, usually in the morning. Typically the dose does not exceed 15 milligrams per day. The dosing for children must be determined by a doctor, as there is no recommended starting dose for pediatric patients.

Precautions

• Reductil is not meant to be used if you have used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, or MAO, within the past 14 days. Otherwise it can cause seizures, extremely high blood pressure or a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. It can also cause serotonin syndrome when taken with certain medications such as linezolid, lithium, tryptophan, St. John's wort or some pain medications. Tell your doctor what medications you are already taking before he prescribes Reductil.

Side Effects

• Some side effects that you may experience while taking Reductil include achiness, chills, fast or irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, depression, painful menstruation, swelling of the body, bruising, seizures, severe headaches, skin rash, anxiety, constipation, dizziness, a dry mouth, a stuffy nose, abdominal pain, back pain and trouble sleeping. If you notice these side effects, check with your doctor. You can also report side effects to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Contraindication

• Reductil is not meant to be used in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. One study showed that patients with such a history who took Reductil showed an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Provide a complete medical history to your physician before the drug is prescribed.