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Keramin: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Keramin - General Information

A appetite depressant considered to produce less central nervous system disturbance than most drugs in this therapeutic category. It is also considered to be among the safest for patients with hypertension. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p2290)

 

Pharmacology of Keramin

Keramin is a sympathomimetic stimulant drug marketed as an appetite suppressant. Chemically, it is the N,N-diethyl analog of cathinone. Its mechanism of action is similar to other appetite suppressants such as sibutramine, phentermine and dextroamphetamine.

 

Keramin for patients

The patient should be cautioned about concomitant use of alcohol or other CNS-Active drugs and TENUATE or TENUATE DOSPAN.

The patient should be advised to observe caution when driving or engaging in any potentially hazardous activity.

 

Keramin Interactions

Antidiabetic drug requirements (i.e., insulin) may be altered. Concurrent use with general anesthetics may result in arrhythmias. The pressor effects of diethylpropion and those of other drugs may be additive when the drugs are used concomitantly; conversely, diethylpropion may interfere with antihypertensive drugs (i.e., guanethidine, a-methyldopa). Concurrent use of phenothiazines may antagonize the anorectic effect of diethylpropion.

 

Keramin Contraindications

Advanced arteriosclerosis, hyperthyroidism, known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to the sympathomimetic amines, glaucoma, severe hypertension.

Agitated states.

Patients with a history of drug abuse.

During or within 14 days following the administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, hypertensive crises may result.

 

Additional information about Keramin

Keramin Indication: Used in the management of exogenous obesity as a short-term adjunct (a few weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction. Mechanism Of Action: Keramin is an amphetamine that stimulates neurons to release or maintain high levels of a particular group of neurotransmitters known as catecholamines; these include dopamine and norepinephrine. High levels of these catecholamines tend to suppress hunger signals and appetite. Keramin (through catecholamine elevation) may also indirectly affect leptin levels in the brain. It is theorized that diethylpropion can raise levels of leptin which signal satiety. It is also theorized that increased levels of the catecholamines are partially responsible for halting another chemical messenger known as neuropeptide Y. This peptide initiates eating, decreases energy expenditure, and increases fat storage. Drug Interactions: Acetophenazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptomsChlorpromazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptomsEthopropazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptomsFluoxetine Risk of serotoninergic syndromeFluphenazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptomsFluvoxamine Risk of serotoninergic syndromeGuanethidine The agent decreases the effect of guanethidineIsocarboxazid Possible hypertensive crisisMesoridazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptomsMethdilazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptomsParoxetine Risk of serotoninergic syndromePerphenazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptomsPhenelzine Possible hypertensive crisisProchlorperazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptomsPromazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptomsPromethazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptomsPropiomazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptomsRasagiline Possible hypertensive crisisThiethylperazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptomsThioridazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptomsTranylcypromine Possible hypertensive crisisTrifluoperazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptomsTriflupromazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptomsTrimeprazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptomsVenlafaxine Risk of serotoninergic syndromeMethotrimeprazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptomsPropericiazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptoms Food Interactions: Take without regard to meals. Generic Name: Diethylpropion Synonyms: Amfepramonum [INN-Latin]; Amfepramone Hydrochloride; Amfepramone HCL; alpha-Diethylaminopropiophenone; alpha-Benzoyltriethylamine; Amphepramonum hydrochloride; Anfepramona [INN-Spanish]; DEA No. 1610; Diethylcathinone; Diethylpropion HCL; Diethylpropione hydrochloride; Diethylpropione; Diethylpropion Hydrochloride Drug Category: Appetite Depressants; Anorexigenic Agents; Stimulants Drug Type: Small Molecule; Illicit; Approved Other Brand Names containing Diethylpropion: Adiposon; Amfepramon; Amfepramone; Amphepramon; Amphepramone; Anfamon; Anorex; Cegramine; Danylen; Derfon; Dobesin; Frekentine; Keramik; Keramin; Magrene; Moderatan; Modulor; Neobes; Nopropiophenone; Obesitex; Parabolin; Prefamone; Regenon; Regenon hydrochloride; Reginon; Silutin; Tenuate; Tenuate Dospan; Tenuate hydrochloride; Tepanil; Tepanil Ten-tab; Tylinal; Absorption: Diethylpropion is rapidly absorbed from the GI tract after oral administration. Toxicity (Overdose): The reported oral LD50 for mice is 600 mg/kg, for rats is 250 mg/kg and for dogs is 225 mg/kg. Manifestation of acute overdosage include restlessness, tremor, hyperreflexia, rapid respiration, confusion, assaultiveness, hallucinations, and panic states. Protein Binding: Not Available Biotransformation: Extensively metabolized through a complex pathway of biotransformation involving N-dealkylation and reduction. Many of these metabolites are biologically active and may participate in the therapeutic action of diethylpropion. Half Life: Using a phosphorescence assay that is specific for basic compounds containing benzoyl group, the plasma half-life of the aminoketone metabolites is estimated to be between 4 to 6 hours. Dosage Forms of Keramin: Tablet OralTablet, extended release Oral Chemical IUPAC Name: 2-diethylamino-1-phenylpropan-1-one Chemical Formula: C13H19NO Diethylpropion on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diethylpropion Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals