Bontril

Bontril is a prescription drug that is approved for the short-term use of helping people lose weight. It works by suppressing the appetite and possibly increasing the metabolism. The medication comes in two forms -- short-acting tablets and long-acting capsules. As with any medication, side effects can occur with Bontril, such as insomnia, headaches, and dizziness.

What Is Bontril?

Bontril® (phendimetrazine tartrate) is a prescription weight loss medication only approved for short-term use. It should be used in conjunction with an appropriate diet. The drug comes in two forms: a short-acting version (Bontril PDM) and a long-acting version (Bontril SR).
 
(Click Bontril Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Bontril is currently made by Valeant Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Bontril Work?

Bontril works by suppressing the appetite, and it may also increase the metabolism. It is chemically similar to amphetamines.
 

Effects of Bontril

Only very short studies have evaluated the effectiveness of medications like Bontril.
 In these studies, people taking these medications lost more weight than those who were not taking the medications. However, the difference was small (only a fraction of a pound more per week for the people taking Bontril). Studies also suggest that the effects of these medications for weight loss decrease after the first few weeks.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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