Clobenzorex

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Clobenzorex

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Clobenzorex

Property Description
Active ingredient Clobenzorex hydrochloride
Form Oral (Tablets, Capsules)
Pharmacological class Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulant
Common use Appetite modulation / Weight management support
Origin Synthetic, Prodrug

Identity, Composition, and Pharmacological Classification

Clobenzorex is a synthetic pharmacological agent defined by its specific N-substituted amphetamine structure, often prepared as Clobenzorex hydrochloride. Structurally, the compound is classified within the phenethylamine chemical class and the broader amphetamine chemical class, which positions it among stimulants used for appetite control. Functionally, the medication is categorized as a Centrally acting antiobesity product, a designation based on its anorectic effects. This single product medication is administered through the oral route, typically prepared in common solid dosage forms such as capsules or tablets.

Type, Function, and General Purpose

The core function of Clobenzorex is rooted in its status as a prodrug, meaning the administered substance is biologically inactive until converted into its active therapeutic form. The medication is metabolized within the body, primarily by the liver, to yield its main active compound, dextroamphetamine. This conversion process is the mechanism that transforms the initial substance into a potent Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulant. The resulting stimulation modulates specific centers in the brain, reducing the sensation of hunger and desire for food. Consequently, the general purpose of Clobenzorex is to assist in weight management programs by promoting appetite suppression, a scenario where regulated caloric intake is necessary for effective progress.

What side effects are possible with Clobenzorex?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for clobenzorex is structured around its classification as a centrally acting sympathomimetic amine, which is metabolized into d-amphetamine. Official regulatory documents categorize adverse reactions primarily by their physiological impact on specific organ systems, a standard practice in medical labeling.

Adverse reactions related to the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Psychiatric Disorders include manifestations such as insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, and anxiety, which are commonly documented. Effects on the Cardiovascular System typically involve tachycardia (increased heart rate) and palpitations, reflecting the drug's stimulant properties. Gastrointestinal effects such as dry mouth (xerostomia) and constipation are also commonly listed in regulatory summaries.

Serious Risks and Safety Limitations

The official labeling highlights specific serious safety concerns. These include the documented potential for rare but severe cardiovascular events, such as pulmonary artery hypertension and severe arrhythmias. Furthermore, the safety profile explicitly identifies the risks of developing tolerance and psychological dependence, which are tied to prolonged use of the medicine. These concerns are standard for substances within the amphetamine chemical class.

Safety Restrictions: Regulatory constraints state that the medicine is contraindicated in patients with pre-existing conditions, including severe arterial hypertension, a history of cardiovascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, hyperthyroidism, and glaucoma. Use is also generally contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Clobenzorex is a prodrug that is metabolized into amphetamine, meaning an overdose is associated with the clinical presentation of a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant overdose, which affects multiple physiological systems.

Overdose can occur with high or excessive drug intake and is considered a medical emergency. Symptoms may include a range of serious cardiovascular and neurological effects.

System Affected Overdose Manifestations
Cardiovascular Rapid heart rate, severe chest pain (potential heart attack), severe hypertension, or cardiovascular collapse.
Neurological Confusion, delirium, agitation, anxiety, paranoia, hyperactivity, tremor, and seizures.
General Difficulty breathing, hyperthermia (severely high body temperature), severe stomach pain, or coma.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Call emergency services immediately (e.g., 911 or equivalent) if you or someone else experiences any of the following signs after taking Clobenzorex:

  • Collapse or unresponsiveness (cannot be woken up).
  • Stopping or having severe difficulty breathing.
  • Severe chest pain that is getting worse.
  • Having a seizure.

If overdose is suspected, contact a Poison Control Center for guidance even if the person does not yet show symptoms. While waiting for emergency help, ensure the person is in a safe place, prevent overheating, and do not encourage vomiting or give them anything to eat or drink.

Therapeutic Uses of Clobenzorex

What Clobenzorex Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Clobenzorex is generally a pharmacological tool utilized in the short-term management of obesity, applied as an adjunct to professional diet, exercise, and behavioral modification programs. The compound is categorized within the class of Centrally acting antiobesity products, a classification that aligns with its primary role in the management of excess body weight.


Managing Appetite, Hunger, and Adherence

The medication is commonly used to address the main condition of medically-defined obesity and is relevant in situations involving heightened physiological stress where short-term symptomatic assistance for weight reduction is needed. Its primary use is focused on moderating the symptoms of excessive appetite and the persistent sensation of hunger, and is commonly used to help with stabilizing the patient’s capacity to adhere to a strict diet. This supportive action is applied across therapeutic domains involving difficulty with caloric restriction and excess body weight.

“The intent of this supportive action is to provide symptomatic relief that assists patients in coping more steadily with the challenges of food restriction.”

By inducing a feeling of satiety (fullness), this medication assists with maintaining functional stability and easing the overall burden of resisting food. It provides supportive relief when these symptoms interfere with routine activities. It may also play a role in managing symptoms related to systemic imbalance associated with obesity, contributing to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms.


Quick Fact: Relief for Excessive Appetite
This support is considered relevant for easing the physiological struggle with hunger during the initiation of a reduced-calorie diet, which may assist with maintaining adherence to their weight management plan.

Regulatory References

  1. Centrally acting antiobesity products

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility for using Clobenzorex is strictly defined by regulatory documents in regions where the product is authorized, consistent with its classification as a centrally acting stimulant and anorectic.

Eligibility Scope

Category Official Regulatory Status
Populations for whom use is allowed Adults with medically defined obesity (e.g., BMI geq 30 kg/m^2) for whom non-pharmacological methods have proven insufficient (Source 1.5).
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease (e.g., severe hypertension, advanced arteriosclerosis, symptomatic disease) or glaucoma (Source 1.4).
Age-related eligibility rules Contraindicated/Not Recommended in children under 12 years of age. Use in older adults may be subject to additional caution (Source 1.4).
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility Contraindicated during pregnancy, and not recommended for use while breastfeeding (Source 1.4).
Eligibility-related restrictions Prohibited in patients with a history of drug misuse or chemical dependence (Source 1.4). Prohibited in patients currently taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (Source 1.4).

Eligibility Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Official Definition
Eligibility severity classification Absolute Contraindication (Cardiovascular conditions, MAOI use, history of abuse). Not Recommended (Pregnancy, Lactation, Pediatrics under 12) (Source 1.4).
Eligibility-context constraints Must be used only as an adjunct to a defined diet and behavioral modification program; restricted to short-term management (Source 1.4, 1.5).

Official eligibility statements:

  • Use is contraindicated in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, severe hypertension, and advanced arteriosclerosis.
  • The medicine is contraindicated in patients with symptomatic hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, and those in an agitated state.
  • Clobenzorex is contraindicated during pregnancy, and its use is not recommended while breastfeeding.
  • Use is prohibited in individuals with a history of drug abuse, and in patients concurrently taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs).

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Clobenzorex's official interaction profile is defined by the regulatory information governing its active metabolite, dextroamphetamine, across specific pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic constraints.

Contraindicated Combinations and Timing Rules

Co-administration with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), including the antibacterial agent Linezolid and intravenous Methylene Blue, is strictly contraindicated due to the high risk of a hypertensive crisis. A mandatory 14-day separation period is required following the discontinuation of any MAOI before Clobenzorex administration may begin.

Pharmacodynamic and Metabolic Interactions

The co-administration of Clobenzorex with other serotonergic drugs, such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or the herbal product St. John’s Wort, is associated with an increased regulatory risk of Serotonin Syndrome. Furthermore, the active metabolite may antagonize the hypotensive effects of Adrenergic Blockers, reducing their efficacy. The substance is also documented to be a minor inhibitor of the CYP2D6 enzyme, which may alter the exposure of co-administered medicines that are substrates of this pathway.

Exposure Modification by pH

Official regulatory documents classify interactions with agents that alter bodily pH as clinically significant exposure modifiers:

  • Alkalinizing agents (e.g., Sodium Bicarbonate) increase systemic exposure by decreasing the elimination rate and increasing gastrointestinal absorption.
  • Acidifying agents (e.g., Ascorbic Acid, Fruit Juices) decrease systemic exposure by promoting increased urinary excretion and reducing absorption.

This interaction structure establishes mandatory requirements for dose spacing and restriction of co-administration as defined in official government labeling.

Mechanism of Action

Clobenzorex is classified pharmacologically as an inactive prodrug that requires prior biotransformation to exert its primary effects. The compound undergoes N-dealkylation metabolism, yielding amphetamine as the principal active metabolite. This metabolite acts predominantly within the central nervous system (CNS) by modulating the activity of monoamine transporters. Specifically, the active substance targets the transporters for norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA). Through a dual action of promoting the non-vesicular release and simultaneously inhibiting the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, the drug significantly elevates their concentrations in the synaptic cleft. The resulting surge in synaptic NE and DA signaling engages the hypothalamic pathways responsible for regulating hunger and satiety. This cascade reduces orexigenic (appetite-stimulating) signaling, leading to the system-level physiological consequence of decreased feeding behavior (anorectic effect).

Dosage and Administration Information

Clobenzorex is strictly administered via the oral route as a solid dosage unit, commonly prepared as capsules or tablets. The prescribing pattern for adults centers on a specific daily intake, generally revolving around the 30 mg dose of clobenzorex hydrochloride. This total daily amount may be prescribed for administration once daily or, alternatively, it may be divided into two separate, smaller administrations across the day.

The timing of administration is a factor in the medication’s labeled use. The medicine is directed to be taken preferably before a meal to optimize its intended effects in relation to food consumption. A special administration condition is that the drug is administered in the early part of the day; this procedural constraint is intended to prevent potential interference with the natural sleep cycle.

The treatment is defined for short-term administration only. This duration limitation is consistent with the pharmacological classification of the compound under centrally acting antiobesity agents. As a result, therapeutic courses are time-bound and typically do not exceed three months. Routine dose adjustments for older adult patients or individuals with hepatic or renal impairment are not consistently specified. The structured protocol emphasizes timed, short-term usage within the defined 30 mg daily dosage.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Clobenzorex: Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Focus and Objectives

Research has evaluated Clobenzorex's activity in models related to the appetite regulation pathways within the central nervous system. Studies have investigated whether the drug is associated with changes in body weight and body mass index (BMI) in certain patient populations. Research has also examined the onset of changes related to satiety in some study participants.

Dosing and Efficacy Trials

Clinical studies have evaluated a range of doses using an oral administration format. Research has investigated whether the drug is associated with improvements in various metrics, including self-reported feelings of hunger and physician-measured weight loss. Some studies reported whether there were prolonged changes in body weight scores across several evaluations, often over a period of weeks to months.

Comparative Studies

Research has compared the outcomes of Clobenzorex monotherapy versus placebo in studies examining weight reduction. The primary outcomes evaluated included measures of percentage of weight loss from baseline and changes in BMI. Outcomes were often measured using standardized clinical indices over a defined trial period.

  • Monotherapy vs. Placebo

    Initial research examined whether the use of Clobenzorex showed different results compared to an inactive substance (placebo). Findings were mixed depending on the specific patient population studied, particularly regarding the maintenance of weight reduction following discontinuation of treatment.

Safety and Tolerability Profile

Reports from the studies noted that some participants experienced central nervous system side effects, such as insomnia, headache, and nervousness. Study reports indicated that participants generally remained in the trials for the full duration of treatment.

  • Specific Patient Groups

    The safety profile was evaluated in the majority of adult participants studied. Studies examining the drug's use in participants with severe pre-existing cardiovascular conditions remain limited, and research in pregnant populations has not been established.

Key Studies & References

  1. Comparison on the Pharmacokinetics and Weight Reduction of Clobenzorex Slow Release and Immediate Release Formulations in Obese Patients
  2. Anti-Obesity Drugs: A Review about Their Effects and Safety (Review covering Phentermine/Amphetamine analogues)
  3. Clobenzorex - Regulatory status, chemistry, and clinical data (Authoritative overview)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Clobenzorex (FAQ)


Q: How quickly does Clobenzorex start working after a person takes it?

According to pharmacokinetics studies, the drug reaches its highest concentration in the blood about 1 to 1.5 hours after administration of the immediate-release formulation. This timeframe suggests the typical onset of pharmacological action.


Q: What is the typical duration of effect for a dose of Clobenzorex?

Official studies report that the half-life (the time it takes for half the drug to leave the body) is highly variable, ranging from approximately 1 to 17 hours. This wide range determines how long the substance's effects may be present in the system.


Q: Are there any known long-term side effects from using Clobenzorex?

Regulatory documents emphasize that use is intended for the short-term only. Prolonged administration carries a risk of developing tolerance and psychological dependence. Rare, serious, long-term cardiovascular concerns, such as pulmonary artery hypertension and severe arrhythmias, are also documented risks associated with its use.


Q: Are there any common over-the-counter medicines that interact with Clobenzorex?

Official warnings advise caution when taking the medicine alongside other CNS stimulants (central nervous system drugs) and certain over-the-counter weight-loss products. Additionally, agents that acidify the urine, such as high doses of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), may result in lower levels of the medicine in the body.


Q: Can Clobenzorex be prescribed to teenagers or adolescents?

Official product information states that the medicine is contraindicated or not recommended for children under 12 years of age. Use in any older pediatric or adolescent group is subject to strict medical assessment.


Q: Is Clobenzorex safe for older adults or the elderly?

Official prescribing information notes that use in older adults may be subject to additional caution. This is due to potential risks, though regulatory summaries do not consistently specify routine dose adjustments for this population.


Q: How is Clobenzorex different from other appetite suppressants?

Clobenzorex is pharmacologically classified as an inactive prodrug. This means the substance must first be converted by the body into its active compound, dextroamphetamine (a potent CNS stimulant), to produce its appetite-suppressing effect.


Q: How long does Clobenzorex stay in the body's system?

While the administered drug clears relatively quickly, the breakdown products (active metabolites) can stay in the system longer. Studies show that one active metabolite, 4-hydroxyclobenzorex, has been detected for up to 91.5 hours (almost 4 days) after a single dose.


Q: Does Clobenzorex have an effect on energy levels?

Clobenzorex is officially categorized as a Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulant. This classification indicates the substance has the potential to promote increased activity, alertness, and energy, but this effect is sometimes noted as the side effects of nervousness and restlessness.


Q: Is Clobenzorex classified as a controlled substance?

Yes, Clobenzorex is classified as a controlled substance in many jurisdictions globally. For example, it is listed as a Schedule I controlled substance in Canada and a Class B controlled drug in the United Kingdom.


Q: Can you drink alcohol while taking Clobenzorex?

Official regulatory warnings advise against the consumption of alcohol during treatment. The combination may intensify the adverse effects of the medication on the central nervous system.


Q: Does caffeine interact with Clobenzorex?

Regulatory-based warnings indicate that taking Clobenzorex with other CNS stimulants, including caffeine, can exacerbate the drug's stimulant effects. This combination may increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects.


Q: Where is Clobenzorex approved for use globally?

Regulatory approval and marketing vary by country. The product is approved and available in several regions, including Mexico, India, and Honduras.


Q: Is Clobenzorex banned in the United States?

Clobenzorex is not approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) for medical use in the United States. While the specific substance is unscheduled under the US Controlled Substances Act, the active metabolite is a controlled substance.


Q: Why do some people say Clobenzorex is not available in certain countries?

The availability of Clobenzorex is restricted due to varied international drug classifications and regulatory decisions. For instance, the product is prohibited in Brazil and is unscheduled but unapproved for use in the United States, leading to its general non-availability in those countries.


Q: What are the symptoms of stopping Clobenzorex use?

Because official documentation notes a risk of psychological dependence, patients who discontinue the medication may experience certain symptoms. These may include mood changes, sleep problems, irritability, or anxiety.


Q: Does Clobenzorex show up on standard drug tests?

Yes, studies and official information indicate this is a possibility. Since the body breaks down Clobenzorex into amphetamine, its use can result in a positive result on standard drug tests designed to detect amphetamines.


Q: Is Clobenzorex available in generic form?

The product is marketed under multiple trade names (such as Dinintel or Rexigen) in countries where it is authorized. Depending on the region and the specific market, it may be available in both branded and generic formulations.


Q: What is the legal status of Clobenzorex internationally?

The international legal status is highly variable. It is a strictly controlled substance in many countries, such as Schedule I in Canada and Class B in the UK, while remaining unapproved and unscheduled in the US.


Q: Is it safe to drive after taking Clobenzorex?

Official warnings regarding the operation of machinery are common due to the drug's stimulant properties and documented CNS side effects. These effects, such as nervousness and anxiety, may impair a person's concentration and alertness while driving.


Q: Can Clobenzorex cause changes in vision?

Official safety data reports the potential for serious eye irritation. As a CNS stimulant, vision disorder or blurred vision is also documented as a possible adverse effect that may impact activities like driving.


Q: Does Clobenzorex interact with diabetes medication?

As a sympathomimetic amine (a type of stimulant), the medicine can potentially affect blood sugar regulation. In individuals with diabetes, this interaction may require careful monitoring of blood sugar levels.


How should Clobenzorex be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Clobenzorex

Storage and disposal of Clobenzorex must strictly follow regulatory guidance to ensure product stability and prevent misuse of this controlled substance.

Official Storage Requirements

The medication must be stored at room temperature, typically 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F), protected from excessive heat and moisture. The product must remain in its original container, which should be kept tightly closed to maintain its stability.

Crucially, Clobenzorex must be kept in a secure place and stored out of the reach and sight of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Official Disposal Instructions

For disposal of unused or expired Clobenzorex, the most appropriate method is an authorized drug take-back program. If a take-back site is unavailable, the medicine should be mixed with an unappealing substance (such as dirt or cat litter) in a sealed bag before being placed in the trash. The medication must not be flushed down the toilet or poured down a drain.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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