Fenproporex (Perphoxene) (N-2-Cyanoethylamphetamine) (3-(1-phenylpropan-2-ylamino)propanenitrile) (3- 1-Methyl-2-Phenylethyl)aminoropiononitrile) is a stimulant drug of the phenethylamine and amphetamine

chemical class Chemical classification systems attempt to classify elements or compounds according to certain chemical functional or structural properties. Whereas the structural properties are largely intrinsic, functional properties and the derived classificat ...

es that was developed in the 1960s. It is used as an

appetite suppressant An anorectic or anorexic is a drug which reduces appetite, resulting in lower food consumption, leading to weight loss. By contrast, an appetite stimulant is referred to as orexigenic. The term is (from the Greek ''ἀν-'' (an-) = "without" ...

for the treatment of

obesity Obesity is a medical condition, sometimes considered a disease, in which excess body fat has accumulated to such an extent that it may negatively affect health. People are classified as obese when their body mass index (BMI)—a person's ...

. Fenproporex produces amphetamine as a metabolite and was withdrawn in many countries following problems with abuse, but it is still prescribed in some countries. It is sometimes combined with benzodiazepines,

antidepressants Antidepressants are a class of medication used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, chronic pain conditions, and to help manage addictions. Common side-effects of antidepressants include dry mouth, weight gain, dizziness, hea ...

, and other compounds to create a version of the "rainbow diet pill". Fenproporex has never been approved by the

US Food and Drug Administration The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA or US FDA) is a federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Services. The FDA is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the control and supervision of food ...

(FDA) for sale in the US due to lack of efficacy and safety data. However, in March 2009, the FDA warned consumers that it has been detected as an unlabeled component of diet pills available over the Internet. Fenproporex is designated a Schedule IV

controlled substance A controlled substance is generally a drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession and use is regulated by a government, such as illicitly used drugs or prescription medications that are designated by law. Some treaties, notably the Single ...

in the US pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act. Fenproporex is on the list of substances banned by the

World Anti-Doping Agency The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA; french: Agence mondiale antidopage, AMA) is a foundation initiated by the International Olympic Committee based in Canada to promote, coordinate, and monitor the fight against drugs in sports. The agency's key ...

, and any sportsperson testing positive for the substance faces a ban from competition.The 2009 Prohibited List International Standard
.

(2009). Retrieved on 2009-08-18.

References

{{Phenethylamines Substituted amphetamines Nitriles Norepinephrine-dopamine releasing agents