fenproporex

Fenproporex is an orally active stimulant drug of the phenethylamine and amphetamine chemical classes, developed in the 1960s as an appetite suppressant for the treatment of obesity. It acts as a central and indirect sympathomimetic agent, primarily functioning as an anorectic by inhibiting the hypothalamic hunger center. Fenproporex is rapidly metabolized in vivo to amphetamine, which leads to increased levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the synaptic cleft by blocking their reuptake and promoting their release. This results in reduced food intake through stimulation of alpha 1 and beta 2 adrenoceptors, as well as central nervous system stimulation. Although initially believed to lack stimulant properties, it has been shown that its effects are similar to other amphetamines due to its conversion into amphetamine after administration. Fenproporex has been withdrawn or banned in many countries due to concerns about abuse potential but remains prescribed for obesity treatment in some regions[1][5][6][7].

Brand names

Perphoxene

Other names

3-(1-phenylpropan-2-ylamino)propanenitrile3-[(1-methyl-2-phenylethyl)amino]propiononitrile