Bontril Uses

Bontril uses consist of treating exogenous obesity in people 12 years old and older. The medication is chemically similar to amphetamines, and works by suppressing the appetite and possibly increasing metabolism. Bontril is approved for short-term use only, because it starts to lose its appetite-suppressing effects after a few weeks. It should also be used with an appropriate diet.

 

Bontril Uses: An Overview

Bontril® (phendimetrazine tartrate) is a prescription medication approved as a short-term weight loss aid. It is not intended for long-term use or for use without an appropriate diet plan.
 
With obesity on the rise (see Obesity Statistics), many people are looking for products to help with weight loss. Although the ideal weight loss plans focus on gradual weight loss by eating a healthy diet and increasing physical activity (see How to Lose Weight), many people have difficulty following such plans or feel they need extra assistance in their efforts. Before turning to drastic measures such as weight loss surgery, many people consider using weight loss pills, especially if they have unsuccessfully tried to control their obesity and exercise and diet have been ineffective.
 
Obesity can be divided into two categories: endogenous obesity and exogenous obesity. Endogenous obesity is caused by an identifiable medical condition, such as hypothyroidism. Exogenous obesity is caused by eating too much and exercising too little. Bontril is meant to treat exogenous obesity. It is not meant to treat obesity due to a known medical cause.
 
For adults, the definition of obesity is a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more (see BMI Calculator to find your BMI). People with a BMI between 25 and 30 are considered overweight, but not obese. Causes of obesity include overeating, lack of exercise, and other medical conditions (such as hypothyroidism). There are many health effects of obesity, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and strokes.
 
Bontril is approved for short-term use (a few weeks), along with an appropriate diet, to treat obesity in people 12 years old and over. For this use, Bontril works mostly as an appetite suppressant, although it may also help to increase metabolism. After a few weeks, the appetite-suppressant effect of Bontril usually wears off. When this happens, the medication should be stopped (it should not be increased or continued in any way).
 
(Bontril Uses Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;