Last update Oct. 12, 2022

Phentermine; Phentermine Hydrochloride

Incompatible

Very unsafe. Contraindicated. Use of an alternative or cessation of breastfeeding. Read the Commentary.

Central psychostimulant drug that is used as an anorectic in the treatment of obesity. It has similar actions than Dexamphetamine. Oral administration in a daily dose.

At latest update no published data were found on excretion into breast milk.

Pharmacokinetic data (low molecular weight and low protein binding) make it likely the passage into milk in an amount that may be significant.

Its T1/2 of 20 hours would make it necessary to stop breastfeeding for about 140 hours after its administration.

It could cause insomnia, irritability and anorexia in the infant.

Given the increased risk for cardiac valvular disorders and psychotic reactions, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) ordered the withdrawal from marketing in the European Union on 2000. (AEMPS 2000)

There is good quality evidence that exclusive breastfeeding helps to regain pre-pregnancy weight earlier than if breastfeeding is partial (mixed) or there is no breastfeeding, and that prolonged breastfeeding helps maintain that loss and as well as body fat loss.(Jayasinghe 2021, Schalla 2017, López 2016, Jarlenski 2014, Sámano 2013, Neville 2014, Hatsu 2008, Dewey 2004, 2001 y 1993, Kramer 1993)

Alternatives

  • Hypocaloric Diet (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Liraglutide (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Maternal Sport (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Metformin Hydrochloride (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Naltrexone Hydrochloride (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Orlistat (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Phentermine; Phentermine Hydrochloride in other languages or writings:

Groups

Phentermine; Phentermine Hydrochloride belongs to these groups or families:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Phentermine; Phentermine Hydrochloride in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 100 %
Molecular weight 149 daltons
Protein Binding 18 %
VD 4.8 l/Kg
Tmax 4 - 6 hours
8 - 20 hours

References

  1. Jayasinghe S, Herath MP, Beckett JM, Ahuja KDK, Byrne NM, Hills AP. Exclusivity of breastfeeding and body composition: learnings from the Baby-bod study. Int Breastfeed J. 2021 May 19;16(1):41. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. Schalla SC, Witcomb GL, Haycraft E. Body Shape and Weight Loss as Motivators for Breastfeeding Initiation and Continuation. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017 Jul 11;14(7). pii: E754. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  3. López-Olmedo N, Hernández-Cordero S, Neufeld LM, García-Guerra A, Mejía-Rodríguez F, Méndez Gómez-Humarán I. The Associations of Maternal Weight Change with Breastfeeding, Diet and Physical Activity During the Postpartum Period. Matern Child Health J. 2016 Feb;20(2):270-80. Abstract
  4. Neville CE, McKinley MC, Holmes VA, Spence D, Woodside JV. The relationship between breastfeeding and postpartum weight change--a systematic review and critical evaluation. Int J Obes (Lond). 2014 Apr;38(4):577-90. Abstract
  5. Jarlenski MP, Bennett WL, Bleich SN, Barry CL, Stuart EA. Effects of breastfeeding on postpartum weight loss among U.S. women. Prev Med. 2014 Dec;69:146-50. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  6. Sámano R, Martínez-Rojano H, Godínez Martínez E, Sánchez Jiménez B, Villeda Rodríguez GP, Pérez Zamora J, Casanueva E. Effects of breastfeeding on weight loss and recovery of pregestational weight in adolescent and adult mothers. Food Nutr Bull. 2013 Jun;34(2):123-30. Abstract
  7. Teva. Phentermine. Drug Summary. 2012 Full text (in our servers)
  8. Hatsu IE, McDougald DM, Anderson AK. Effect of infant feeding on maternal body composition. Int Breastfeed J. 2008 Aug 6;3:18. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  9. Sanofi. Phentermine Drug Summary. 2006 Full text (in our servers)
  10. Dewey KG. Impact of breastfeeding on maternal nutritional status. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2004;554:91-100. Review. Abstract
  11. Dewey KG, Cohen RJ, Brown KH, Rivera LL. Effects of exclusive breastfeeding for four versus six months on maternal nutritional status and infant motor development: results of two randomized trials in Honduras. J Nutr. 2001 Feb;131(2):262-7. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  12. AEMPS Retirada del mercado de los medicamentos anorexígenos de acción central. 2000 Full text (in our servers)
  13. Kramer FM, Stunkard AJ, Marshall KA, McKinney S, Liebschutz J. Breast-feeding reduces maternal lower-body fat. J Am Diet Assoc. 1993 Apr;93(4):429-33. Abstract
  14. Dewey KG, Heinig MJ, Nommsen LA. Maternal weight-loss patterns during prolonged lactation. Am J Clin Nutr. 1993 Aug;58(2):162-6. Abstract
  15. Beckett AH, Bélanger PM. The metabolism, distribution and elimination of chlorphentermine in man. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1977 Abstract

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