Duromine (Phentermine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Duromine Used For?
Duromine contains phentermine, an appetite suppressant that helps reduce body weight in people who are obese or overweight.
Primary Uses
Duromine is used to reduce body weight in obese or overweight patients as part of an overall weight management plan that includes a medically controlled diet and exercise program.
How It Works
Duromine works by directly affecting the area of the brain that controls your appetite, making you feel less hungry. The phentermine is combined with a resin that slowly releases the medication so the effect lasts all day.
Good to know: Your doctor will assess whether Duromine is suitable for you and prescribe it as part of a comprehensive weight management approach.
How to Take Duromine
Take Duromine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual dose is one capsule per day, taken first thing in the morning at breakfast time.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is one capsule a day. Swallow the capsule whole with plenty of water – do not chew or open the capsules. Take it first thing in the morning at breakfast time so it doesn’t keep you awake at night. Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It doesn’t matter if you take it before or after food.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at breakfast, take it no later than lunchtime. If you take Duromine any later than lunchtime, you may have trouble sleeping at night. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Increasing the dose may not make you lose more weight faster but will likely cause more side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- feeling more awake than usual and trouble sleeping
- heart beating faster and harder
- slightly raised blood pressure
- irregular heartbeats
- feeling restless
- feelings of extreme happiness followed by depression and tiredness
- nervousness
- tremor (shaking)
- headache
- dizziness
- fainting
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea or constipation
- stomach cramps
- dry mouth or unpleasant taste
- difficulty passing urine
- skin rashes
- impotence
- changes in sexual drive
- swelling of lower limbs or face
- sudden or rapid weight loss
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- heart attack
- stroke
- chest pain
- myocardial infarction
- difficulty breathing
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Duromine should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Duromine
Do not use Duromine if you: are allergic to phentermine or any ingredients; are taking similar weight reduction medicines; have very high blood pressure, high blood pressure in the lungs, heart valve problems, blood vessel disease in the brain, severe heart disease, narrowed blood vessels, overactive thyroid, psychiatric illness including anorexia nervosa and depression, or glaucoma; are under 12 years old or elderly; are currently taking or have taken MAOIs within the last 14 days; have previously misused drugs or alcohol.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have: high blood pressure, heart disease such as angina, diabetes, or epilepsy. Also tell your doctor about any other medicines you’re taking.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Stop taking Duromine and contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking it.
Elderly Patients: Duromine should not be used by elderly patients as safety and effectiveness have not been established in this age group.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Duromine and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Important: Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any cough or cold medication while taking Duromine.
- other medicines for weight reduction
- medicines for depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder or other mental illness
- ergot-like medicines for migraine
- some cough and cold remedies
- thyroid hormones
- medicines for lowering high blood pressure
- mono-amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Alcohol & Driving
Duromine can affect your ability to drive and may interact with alcohol, so special precautions are needed.
Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol while taking Duromine. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Duromine affects you.
Storage
Keep your capsules in the blister-foil pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Keep out of reach of children. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on windowsills.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Duromine, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Duromine contains phentermine combined with a resin that slowly releases the medication so the effect lasts all day. You should feel the appetite suppressing effects throughout the day when taken as directed.
It doesn’t matter if you take Duromine before or after food. However, you should take it first thing in the morning at breakfast time to prevent sleep problems.
If you miss your dose at breakfast, take it no later than lunchtime. If you take it later than lunchtime, you may have trouble sleeping. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose – never take a double dose.
No, do not drink alcohol while taking Duromine. You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
No, you must swallow the capsules whole with plenty of water. Do not chew or open the capsules as this can affect how the medication is released in your body.
Stop taking Duromine and contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking it. You should check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant before starting Duromine.
No, Duromine should not be used by elderly patients as safety and effectiveness have not been established in this age group.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.