Last update Oct. 12, 2022

Amfepramone Hydrochloride

Incompatible

Very unsafe. Contraindicated. Use of an alternative or cessation of breastfeeding. Read the Commentary.

A centrally-acting and indirect sympathomimetic appetite suppressant similar to dexamfetamine which can create dependency (WHO 2003). It has been used in the treatment of obese people. Oral administration once or three times a day. 

Although there is no published data on its effects on breastfed infants, according to the manufacturer it is excreted in breastmilk, meaning its use during breastfeeding is not recommended. (UDS 2011)

The lack of published pharmacological data makes it difficult to accurately predict its possible excretion in breastmilk.

Until there is more published data on this drug in relation to breastfeeding, safer known alternatives are preferable, especially during the neonatal period and in case of prematurity.

It produces insomnia, anorexia, nervousness and major side effects, especially cardiac effects (Cheung 2013). There have been reports of psychosis and hallucinations and a case of ketoacidosis in a woman affected by diabetes. (Branis 2015)

There is a risk it may become a drug of abuse (WHO 2003) and was withdrawn from sale in the European Union in 2000. (AEMPS 2000)

None of the current pharmacological treatments for obesity are indicated for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. (Rodríguez 2016)

There is good quality evidence that exclusive breastfeeding helps to regain pre-pregnancy weight earlier than if breastfeeding is partial (mixed) or there is no breastfeeding, and that prolonged breastfeeding helps maintain that loss and as well as body fat loss. (Jayasinghe 2021, Schalla 2017, López 2016, Jarlenski 2014, Sámano 2013, Neville 2014, Hatsu 2008, Dewey 2004, 2001 y 1993, Kramer 1993)

Alternatives

  • Hypocaloric Diet (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Liraglutide (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Maternal Sport (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Metformin Hydrochloride (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Naltrexone Hydrochloride (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Orlistat (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Amfepramone Hydrochloride is also known as


Amfepramone Hydrochloride in other languages or writings:

Groups

Amfepramone Hydrochloride belongs to these groups or families:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Amfepramone Hydrochloride in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 70 %
Molecular weight 242 daltons
Protein Binding 70 %
pKa 7.44 -
Tmax 2 hours
4 - 8 hours

References

  1. Jayasinghe S, Herath MP, Beckett JM, Ahuja KDK, Byrne NM, Hills AP. Exclusivity of breastfeeding and body composition: learnings from the Baby-bod study. Int Breastfeed J. 2021 May 19;16(1):41. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. Schalla SC, Witcomb GL, Haycraft E. Body Shape and Weight Loss as Motivators for Breastfeeding Initiation and Continuation. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017 Jul 11;14(7). pii: E754. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  3. Rodríguez JE, Campbell KM. Past, Present, and Future of Pharmacologic Therapy in Obesity. Prim Care. 2016 Mar;43(1):61-7, viii. Abstract
  4. López-Olmedo N, Hernández-Cordero S, Neufeld LM, García-Guerra A, Mejía-Rodríguez F, Méndez Gómez-Humarán I. The Associations of Maternal Weight Change with Breastfeeding, Diet and Physical Activity During the Postpartum Period. Matern Child Health J. 2016 Feb;20(2):270-80. Abstract
  5. Branis NM, Wittlin SD. Amphetamine-Like Analogues in Diabetes: Speeding towards Ketogenesis. Case Rep Endocrinol. 2015;2015:917869. Abstract
  6. Jarlenski MP, Bennett WL, Bleich SN, Barry CL, Stuart EA. Effects of breastfeeding on postpartum weight loss among U.S. women. Prev Med. 2014 Dec;69:146-50. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  7. Neville CE, McKinley MC, Holmes VA, Spence D, Woodside JV. The relationship between breastfeeding and postpartum weight change--a systematic review and critical evaluation. Int J Obes (Lond). 2014 Apr;38(4):577-90. Abstract
  8. Cheung BM, Cheung TT, Samaranayake NR. Safety of antiobesity drugs. Ther Adv Drug Saf. 2013 Aug;4(4):171-81. Abstract
  9. Sámano R, Martínez-Rojano H, Godínez Martínez E, Sánchez Jiménez B, Villeda Rodríguez GP, Pérez Zamora J, Casanueva E. Effects of breastfeeding on weight loss and recovery of pregestational weight in adolescent and adult mothers. Food Nutr Bull. 2013 Jun;34(2):123-30. Abstract
  10. UDS. Amfepramone. Drug Summary. 2011 Full text (in our servers)
  11. Hatsu IE, McDougald DM, Anderson AK. Effect of infant feeding on maternal body composition. Int Breastfeed J. 2008 Aug 6;3:18. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  12. Dewey KG. Impact of breastfeeding on maternal nutritional status. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2004;554:91-100. Review. Abstract
  13. OMS. Comité de Expertos de la OMS en Farmacodependencia. Examen crítico de psicofármacos. OMS. Serie de informes técnicos, 33 informe. 2003 Full text (in our servers)
  14. WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. Critical review of psychoactive substances. WHO Technical Report Series. Thirty-third Report 2003 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  15. Dewey KG, Cohen RJ, Brown KH, Rivera LL. Effects of exclusive breastfeeding for four versus six months on maternal nutritional status and infant motor development: results of two randomized trials in Honduras. J Nutr. 2001 Feb;131(2):262-7. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  16. AEMPS Retirada del mercado de los medicamentos anorexígenos de acción central. 2000 Full text (in our servers)
  17. Dewey KG, Heinig MJ, Nommsen LA. Maternal weight-loss patterns during prolonged lactation. Am J Clin Nutr. 1993 Aug;58(2):162-6. Abstract
  18. Kramer FM, Stunkard AJ, Marshall KA, McKinney S, Liebschutz J. Breast-feeding reduces maternal lower-body fat. J Am Diet Assoc. 1993 Apr;93(4):429-33. Abstract

Total visits

13,753

Help us improve this entry

How to cite this entry

Do you need more information or did not found what you were looking for?

   Write us at elactancia.org@gmail.com

e-lactancia is a resource recommended by Amamanta of Spain

Would you like to recommend the use of e-lactancia? Write to us at corporate mail of APILAM