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).
Bontril is currently made by Valeant Pharmaceuticals.
Bontril works by suppressing the appetite, and it may also increase the metabolism. It is chemically similar to amphetamines.
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.
General considerations for when and how to take Bontril include the following:
- The medication comes in the form of a short-acting tablet or a long-acting capsule. The capsules are taken once daily, while the tablets are taken two or three times a day.
- Bontril SR capsules should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Bontril PDM tablets should be taken one hour before meals.
- The medication should be combined with an appropriate diet. It is not meant to be used without dieting.
- Bontril PDM tablets may be split in half, but Bontril SR capsules should not be opened, chewed, or crushed.
- Do not take Bontril more often or in higher doses than prescribed, as this can lead to addiction or dependence on the medication.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
The dose of Bontril your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The particular product
- How you respond to the drug
- Whether you develop bothersome or dangerous side effects of Bontril
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Bontril. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
(Click Bontril Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Bontril?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid)
- Glaucoma (a condition of the eye)
- Diabetes
- Heart problems of any kind, including:
- A recent history of heart attack
- Agitation
- A history of drug or alcohol abuse
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Bontril may experience the following symptoms:
- Hyperactivity (trouble sitting still)
- Fast breathing
- High blood pressure or low blood pressure
- Changes in heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Confusion
- Fever
- Muscle pains
- Shakiness
- Aggressiveness
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)
- Seizures
- Loss of life.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Bontril Be Stored?
Bontril tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, in an airtight container. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Bontril as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Bontril comes in the following strengths and forms:
- Bontril PDM 35 mg tablets (short-acting)
- Bontril SR 105 mg capsules (long-acting).
Is There a Generic Version of Bontril?
Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of Bontril PDM tablets are licensed for sale
(see Generic Bontril). However, no other medications are equivalent to Bontril SR capsules.
