Precautions and warnings

- High blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)
- Seizures (fits)
- Bleeding problems
- Gallstones (stones in the gallbladder)
- Reduced kidney function
- Liver problems
- Risk of cancer, changes in genes, or issues with fertility
- Risk of causing cancer
- Problems affecting the ability to have children

Contraindications

Do not use this medication if you:

- Have a history of heart problems, such as chest pain (angina), heart attack, heart failure, fast or irregular heartbeat, blocked arteries, stroke, or mini-stroke (TIA).
- Have high blood pressure that is not well controlled (higher than 145/90 mm Hg).
- Are over 65 years old.
- Are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
- Are allergic to sibutramine or any other ingredient in MERIDIA (sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate).
- Have a serious eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
- Are taking other weight loss medicines that affect the brain.

Mode of actions

Sibutramine works by blocking the reabsorption of certain brain chemicals—mainly norepinephrine and serotonin, and to a lesser degree dopamine—at the nerve endings in the brain. By stopping these chemicals from being taken back up, sibutramine helps you feel full and less hungry, which leads to eating less food.

Dosage & Administration

The recommended starting dose of (sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate) is 10 mg administered once daily with or without food.

If there is inadequate weight loss, the dose may be titrated after four weeks to a total of 15 mg once daily.

The 5 mg dose should be reserved for patients who do not tolerate the 10 mg dose. Blood pressure and heart rate changes should be taken into account when making decisions regarding dose titration.

Doses above 15 mg daily are not recommended.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Although animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, but during pregnancy, this medicine can be used just when definitely required despite potential risks.

Mothers with a newborn baby who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may seldom create symptoms including drowsiness, muscle stiffness or shakiness, feeding or breathing troubles, constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms of your baby's particularly during their first month, tell the doctor immediately.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding.

Pack Size & Price