PharmaceuticalStimulantAnorecticAmphetamine prodrug
Mefenorex
Also known as Pondinil · Rondimen · Doracil
An amphetamine prodrug anorectic from the 1970s that is metabolised to amphetamine. Like clobenzorex and fenproporex, its weight-loss effect and its stimulant/dependence risks come from the amphetamine it liberates. It is now largely withdrawn.
01 Overview
Mefenorex (N-(3-chloropropyl)amphetamine) was marketed as a short-term appetite suppressant. It undergoes N-dealkylation to amphetamine, which underlies both efficacy and abuse liability.
It sits in the same historical group of prodrug anorectics that fell out of favour as safer weight-management options emerged and as amphetamine-derived diet drugs came under stricter control.
02 Mechanism
A prodrug converted to amphetamine, which releases dopamine and noradrenaline in appetite-regulating hypothalamic circuits.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical anorectic dose | 20–60 mg/day | Oral | Historically 20-60 mg/day in divided doses for short-term use. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appetite suppressionReduced hunger via amphetamine metabolite. | short-term weight loss | Observational | |
| Mild stimulationWakefulness and energy. | amphetamine-like | Observational |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sympathomimetic effectsPalpitations, raised blood pressure, dry mouth. | Moderate | Common | Observational | |
| DependencePotential for tolerance and psychological dependence. | Moderate | Uncommon | Observational |
06 Legal status
United States
Schedule IV (INCB)
Controlled internationally; not marketed in the US. · as of Jan 2026
Germany
Withdrawn
No longer marketed. · as of Jan 2026
07 References
Mefenorex: pharmacology of anorectic amphetamine prodrugsReview literature
08 Discussion0 comments
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This page is reference information, not medical advice. Doses and protocols are documented as they appear in the clinical literature and in practice — describing them is not a recommendation to use them. Countermeasures listed here are not a substitute for a physician. Legal status varies by jurisdiction and changes.