Sibutramine
Sibutramine Information

About Sibutramine

Sibutramine is an antiobesity drug, Sibutramine is structurally related to amphetamine. Sibutramine is a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. It should be avoided in anorexia nervosa or in poorly controlled or uncontrolled hypertension.

Indications

Sibutramine is primarily indicated in conditions like Bleeding caused by uterine atony, Obesity.

Contraindication

Sibutramine is contraindicated in conditions like Hyperthyroidism,Phaeochromocytoma,Prostatic hypertrophy,Congestive heart failure,Cerebrovascular disease,Coronary artery disease,Angle-closure glaucoma,Uncontrolled hypertension,Peripheral arterial occlusive disease,Psychotic illness,Thyrotoxicosis (adjunct),Infections due to senstive gram +ve and gram -ve bacteria.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Sibutramine, which give rise to further complications include Increased blood pressure, Seizures, Bleeding, Acute interstitial nephritis, Migraine.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Sibutramine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Headache, Diarrhea, Constipation, Insomnia, Dry mouth, Depression, Edema, Rhinitis, Dysmenorrhea.

Warnings

Monitor blood pressure and pulse rate (every two weeks for first three months then monthly for three months then atleast every three months)---- discontinue if blood pressure exeeds 145/90 mmHg or if systolic or diastolic pressure raised by 10mmHg or if pulse rate raised by 10 beats per minute at two consecutive visits; sleep apnoea syndrome (increased risk of hypertension); epilepsy; hepatic impairment (avoid if severe); renal impairment (avoid if severe); monitor for pulmonary hypertension; family history of motor or vocal tics. DISCONTINUATION OF TREATMENT: Discontinue treatment if : weight loss after three months less than 5% of initial body weight; weight loss stabilises at less than 5% of initial body weight; individuals regain 3 kg or more after previous weight loss. In individuals with co-morbid conditions, treatment should be continued only if weight loss is associated with other clinical benefits.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Cardiac / Hypertensive Patients.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.