Diethylpropion is a sympathomimetic pharmaceutical active ingredient belonging to the anorectic agent class. It has been used as a short-term adjunct to dietary and behavioral measures for weight management in selected patients with obesity.
Diethylpropion, also known as Amfepramone, is a synthetic phenethylamine derivative with central nervous system stimulant and appetite-suppressing activity. It is commonly encountered pharmaceutically as diethylpropion hydrochloride.
Diethylpropion is identified by CAS No. 90-84-6. It has the molecular formula C13H19NO and a molecular weight of approximately 205.30 g/mol.
Diethylpropion primarily acts as a sympathomimetic amine and produces appetite-suppressing effects through activity involving central catecholaminergic neurotransmission.
Its pharmacological effects can include increased alertness and reduced appetite, which contribute to its historical use in short-term weight-management therapy.
Diethylpropion and its active metabolites influence central nervous system catecholamine pathways, particularly norepinephrine signaling. Increased catecholaminergic activity in appetite-regulating regions of the brain is associated with reduced hunger and food intake.
Diethylpropion has been used as a short-term adjunct in the management of exogenous obesity, generally in conjunction with caloric restriction and lifestyle measures.
Its approved indications, availability and regulatory status vary by country and jurisdiction.
The pharmaceutical form commonly encountered is Diethylpropion Hydrochloride. When creating a CMS product record, the free base and hydrochloride salt should be clearly distinguished because their CAS numbers, molecular formulas and molecular weights differ.
Diethylpropion API quality evaluation may include:
Final acceptance criteria should be based on the approved specification and applicable pharmacopoeial requirements.
Diethylpropion intended for pharmaceutical manufacturing should comply with applicable GMP, quality-control and regulatory requirements. Because regulatory controls for sympathomimetic/anorectic substances can differ between jurisdictions, the intended market and applicable regulatory status should be verified before commercial use.
A batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA) should provide applicable analytical results and acceptance criteria.
Diethylpropion API should be stored in appropriately sealed packaging under the manufacturer's specified conditions. Protection from excessive moisture, heat and unsuitable environmental exposure should be maintained.
Diethylpropion is relevant to pharmaceutical manufacturers and formulation-development organizations working with appetite-suppressant and weight-management pharmaceutical products, subject to applicable regulatory requirements.
For commercial applications, customers should verify the API form, grade, assay, impurity profile, specification, regulatory documentation and batch-specific CoA before use.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Identification | IR & HPLC compliant |
| Assay (HPLC) | NLT 98.0% by HPLC |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 1.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.5% |
| Heavy Metals | NMT 10 ppm |
| pH (1% Solution) | 2.0 – 4.0 |
| Individual Impurity | NMT 1.0% |
| Total Impurities | NMT 2.0% |
| Water Content | NMT 1.0% |
| Melting Point | 150°C – 154°C |