Phentermine is a prescription drug used to combat obesity in patients who also have other health problems such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. According to Drugs.com, phentermine is similar to an amphetamine and functions by suppressing the appetite. For best results, you must use this medication in combination with an exercise regimen and healthy diet. The drug is available in capsule and tablet form and has several ingredients.
Phentermine Hydrochloride
Phentermine hydrochloride is the only active ingredient in this drug. It comes in the form of a white crystalline powder that easily dissolves in both water and alcohol, according to RXList. Each capsule or tablet contains 37.5 mg of phentermine hydrochloride, which equates to a 30 mg base of phentermine. Because of this compound's amphetamine similarity, long-term use can lead to addiction. Regular treatment length is from three to six weeks, says PubMed, a publication of the National Institutes of Health.
Inactive Ingredients in Capsules
The capsule form of phentermine also contains the inactive ingredients corn starch, gelatin, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, black iron oxide, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #40 and FD&C Red #33, according to RX List. The FD&C ingredients are coloring agents, whereas the others make up the gel capsule or serve as fillers. The capsule has an opaque white body and a bright blue cap.
Inactive Ingredients in Tablets
The tablet form of phentermine has different inactive ingredients than those of the capsule form: corn starch, anhydrous lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, sucrose and FD&C Blue #1. The last ingredient provides a blue pigment to the oblong tablet. The remaining ingredients are fillers.
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