Originator
Preludin, Boehringer Ingelheim, US ,1956
Definition
ChEBI: Phenmetrazine is a member of the class of morpholines that is morpholine substituted with a phenyl group at position 2 and a methyl group at position 3. It has a role as a metabolite and a sympathomimetic agent. It derives from a morpholine.
Manufacturing Process
10 grams of β-phenyl-α-methyl-β,β'-dihydroxy-diethylamine hydrochloride (produced by hydrogenation in the presence of palladium and charcoal of βphenyl-α-methyl-β-keto-β'-hydroxy-N-benzyl-diethylamine hydrochloride obtained from bromopropiophenone by reacting with benzyl-ethanolamine), are warmed with 10% hydrochloric acid for 6 hours on a water bath.After working up in the usual manner, the hydrochloride of the 2-phenyl-3methyl-morpholine crystallizes out from methanolic hydrochloric acid and acetone, MP = 182°C, according to US Patent 2,835,669.
Brand name
Preludin (Boehringer Ingelheim);Anorex;Bromadryl;Emagrin;Filon;Gratsidin;Marsin;Neo-zine;Prelazine.
Therapeutic Function
Antiobesity
World Health Organization (WHO)
Phenmetrazine, a sympathomimetic amine, was introduced in
1956 for use as an anorexic agent. Although preparations remain available, the use
of phenmetrazine is no longer indicated for the treatment of obesity. Moreover,
since it has been subject to abuse, and because dependence can occur, it is now
controlled under Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
(Reference: (UNCPS2) United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances (II),
, , 1971)
Pharmacology
Phenmetrazine is a sympathomimetic drug used primarily as an appetite depressant. Its actions and mechanisms are similar to dextroamphetamine. Amphetamines are non-catecholamine sympathomimetic amines with CNS stimulant activity. Phenmetrazine was originally sold under the tradename Preludin as an anorectic. It has since been removed from the market. It is by some considered to have a greater potential for addiction than the amphetamines, and has been abused in many countries, for example Sweden.
