Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
11:06
Network Pharmacology Prediction and Metabolomics Validation of the Mechanism of Fructus Phyllanthi against Hyperlipidemia
Published on: April 7, 2023
Fenfluramine-like cardiovascular side-effects of benfluorex
1Université Paris-Sud11, UPRES EA 2705, Centre National de Référence de l'Hypertension Artérielle Pulmonaire, Service de Pneumologie et Réanimation Respiratoire, Hôpital Antoine-Béclère, Paris, France. kim.boutet@umontreal.ca
The European Respiratory Journal
|March 3, 2009
Summary
Benfluorex, used for metabolic syndrome, may be linked to rare cardiovascular issues like pulmonary hypertension and heart valve disease. Further research is needed to confirm this potential association in patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Benfluorex, approved in Europe since 1976, treats metabolic syndrome, acting as a hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic agent.
- It is a fenfluramine derivative with appetite suppressant properties, often prescribed for overweight individuals.
- Unlike fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, benfluorex has not been frequently associated with cardiovascular side-effects.
Observation:
- This study presents six cases of cardiovascular conditions in patients exposed to benfluorex.
- Five cases involved severe pulmonary arterial hypertension, and one case involved valvular heart disease.
- The affected individuals were middle-aged, diabetic females with a body mass index between 24.2 and 49 kg/m².
Findings:
- While a definitive causal link cannot be established from these case reports, the findings are noteworthy.
- Benfluorex is metabolized into norfenfluramine, an active metabolite also produced from fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine.
- This metabolic pathway suggests a potential mechanism for cardiovascular effects.
Implications:
- Extensive assessment of benfluorex exposure is warranted in patients newly diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension or valvular heart disease.
- This research highlights the importance of ongoing pharmacovigilance for established medications.
- Further investigation may inform clinical guidelines regarding benfluorex use, particularly in at-risk populations.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers
β-receptor blockers significantly impact the cardiovascular system by counteracting catecholamine-induced sympathetic responses. These medications decrease heart rate, contractility, and cardiac output, potentially leading to cardiac depression, life-threatening bradycardia, and death. Therapeutically, β-blockers function as mild antihypertensives and are utilized in treating angina pectoris and cardiac arrhythmias. However, nonselective β-blockers inhibit β2-receptors in bronchial smooth...
01:28Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
Mixed-action adrenergic agonists, like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, directly and indirectly affect adrenergic receptors. These agents stimulate adrenoceptors and indirectly release stored neurotransmitters, amplifying the adrenergic response.
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
01:29Anxiolytic Drugs: Benzodiazepines and Buspirone
Benzodiazepines are a class of anxiolytic drugs known for their rapid efficacy and high therapeutic-to-lethal dose ratio, but with a potential risk of drug dependence. These drugs are lipophilic, allowing for rapid absorption after oral administration, eventually reaching the central nervous system (CNS). Once in the CNS, benzodiazepines bind to the allosteric site of the GABAA receptor. This binding enhances the inhibitory effects of the neurotransmitter GABA. By doing so, they prevent...
01:17Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
01:28Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), including Desipramine (Norpramin), Imipramine (Tofranil), Clomipramine (Anafranil), and Amitriptyline (Elavil), inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and also block other receptors. They are used for depression, pain conditions, and insomnia. Common adverse effects include anticholinergic effects, sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and weight gain. They have a narrow therapeutic window and so require plasma-level monitoring. Abrupt discontinuation can...
01:30Heart Failure V: Medical Management
Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...