Redux

Redux - General Information

Redux, also marketed under the name Redux, is a serotoninergic anorectic drug. It was for some years in the mid-1990s approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the purposes of weight loss. However, following multiple concerns about the cardiovascular side-effects of the drug, such approval was withdrawn.

Pharmacology of Redux

Used to treat diabetes and obesity, Redux decreases caloric intake by increasing serotonin levels in the brain’s synapses. Redux acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It also causes release of serotonin from the synaptosomes.

Redux for patients

Redux Interactions

In patients receiving nonselective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (e.g., selegiline hydrochloride) in combination with serotoninergic agents (e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine), there have been reports of serious, sometimes fatal, reactions. Because dexfenfluramine is a serotonin releaser and reuptake inhibitor, dexfenfluramine should not be used concomitantly with a MAO inhibitor.

At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of a MAO inhibitor and initiation of treatment with dexfenfluramine. At least 3 weeks should elapse between discontinuation of dexfenfluramine and initiation of treatment with a MAO inhibitor.

A rare, but serious, constellation of symptoms, termed "serotonin syndrome," has been reported with the concomitant use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and agents for migraine therapy, such as Imitrex (sumatriptan succinate) and dihydroergotamine. The syndrome requires immediate medical attention and may include one or more of the following symptoms: excitement, hypomania, restlessness, loss of consciousness, confusion, disorientation, anxiety, agitation, motor weakness, myoclonus, tremor, hemiballismus, hyperreflexia, ataxia, dysarthria, incoordination, hyperthermia, shivering, pupillary dilation, diaphoresis, emesis, and tachycardia. Dexfenfluramine should not be administered with other serotoninergic agents. The appropriate interval between administration of these agents and dexfenfluramine has not been established. The use of dexfenfluramine with other CNS-Active drugs has not been systematically evaluated; consequently, caution is advised if dexfenfluramine and such drugs are prescribed concurrently.

Redux Contraindications

Dexfenfluramine is contraindicated in patients with diagnosed pulmonary hypertension. Dexfenfluramine is contraindicated in patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors (see DRUG INTERACTIONS). Dexfenfluramine is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, or related compounds.

Additional information about Redux

Redux Indication: For the management of obesity including weight loss and maintenance of weight loss in patients on a reduced calorie diet
Mechanism Of Action: Redux binds to the serotonin reuptake pump. This causes inhbition of serotonin uptake and release of serotonin. The increased levels of serotonin lead to greater serotonin receptor activation which in turn lead to enhancement of serotoninergic transmission in the centres of feeding behavior located in the hypothalamus. This suppresses the appetite for carbohydrates.
Drug Interactions: Acetophenazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptoms
Chlorpromazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptoms
Ethopropazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptoms
Fluoxetine Risk of serotoninergic syndrome
Fluphenazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptoms
Fluvoxamine Risk of serotoninergic syndrome
Guanethidine The agent decreases the effect of guanethidine
Insulin Fenfluramine increases the effect of insulin
Insulin-aspart Fenfluramine increases the effect of insulin
Insulin-detemir Fenfluramine increases the effect of insulin
Insulin-glargine Fenfluramine increases the effect of insulin
Insulin-glulisine Fenfluramine increases the effect of insulin
Insulin-lispro Fenfluramine increases the effect of insulin
Isocarboxazid Possible hypertensinve crisis
Mesoridazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptoms
Methdilazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptoms
Paroxetine Risk of serotoninergic syndrome
Perphenazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptoms
Phenelzine Possible hypertensive crisis
Prochlorperazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptoms
Promazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptoms
Promethazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptoms
Propiomazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptoms
Rasagiline Possible hypertensive crisis
Thiethylperazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptoms
Thioridazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptoms
Tranylcypromine Possible hypertensive crisis
Trifluoperazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptoms
Triflupromazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptoms
Trimeprazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptoms
Venlafaxine Risk of serotoninergic syndrome
Methotrimeprazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptoms
Propericiazine Decreased anorexic effect, may increase psychotic symptoms
Food Interactions: Take with meals.
Generic Name: Dexfenfluramine
Synonyms: Levofenfluraminum [Latin]; Levofenfluramine [Inn]; Levofenfluramine; L-Fenfluramine; Levofenfluramina [Spanish]; Dextrofenfluramine; Dexfenfluraminum [Latin]; D-Fenfluramine; Dexafenfluramine; Dexfenfluramina [Spanish]; Dexfenfluramine Hydrochloride
Drug Category: Serotonin reuptake inhibitor; Antiobesity Agents; Appetite Depressants
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Illicit; Approved; Withdrawn

Other Brand Names containing Dexfenfluramine: Adifax; Redux;
Absorption: Well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
Toxicity (Overdose): Symptoms of overdose include respiratory failure and cardiac arrest leading to death.
Protein Binding: 36%
Biotransformation: Not Available
Half Life: 17-20 hours
Dosage Forms of Redux: Capsule Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name: N-ethyl-1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]propan-2-amine
Chemical Formula: C12H16F3N
Dexfenfluramine on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dexfenfluramine
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals