Mazindol is a sympathomimetic amine, which is similar to an amphetamine. It is also
known as an "anorectic" or an "anorexigenic" drug. Mazindol stimulates the central nervous
system (nerves and brain), which increases your heart rate and blood pressure and decreases your
appetite.
Mazindol is used as a short-term supplement to diet and exercise in the treatment of
obesity.
Mazindol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking mazindol?
You cannot take mazindol if you
have heart disease or high blood pressure;
have arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries);
have glaucoma;
have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as
isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the last 14 days;
or
have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
problems with your thyroid;
an anxiety disorder;
epilepsy or another seizure disorder; or
diabetes.
You may not be able to take mazindol, or you may require a lower
dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
It is not known whether mazindol will harm an unborn baby. Do not take mazindol
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not known whether mazindol passes into breast milk. Do not take mazindol
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take mazindol?
Take mazindol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Mazindol is usually taken one to three times a day before meals. Mazindol can be
taken with food if it upsets your stomach. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much mazindol
could be very dangerous to your health.
Store mazindol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of mazindol?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for
your next dose or if it is already evening, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly
scheduled dose. A dose taken too late in the day will cause insomnia.
Do not
take a double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about mazindol?
Your pharmacist has information about mazindol written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of mazindol?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking mazindol and
seek emergency medical attention:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
an irregular heartbeat or very high blood pressure (severe
headache, blurred vision); or
hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or confusion.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take mazindol and talk to your doctor if you experience
restlessness or tremor,
nervousness or anxiety,
headache or dizziness,
insomnia,
dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth,
diarrhea or constipation, or
impotence or changes in your sex drive.
Mazindol is habit forming. You can become physically and
psychologically dependent on this medication, and withdrawal effects may occur if you stop
taking it suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Talk to your doctor about stopping this
medication gradually.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about mazindol?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Mazindol may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness, and it may hide the
symptoms of extreme tiredness. If you experience these effects, avoid hazardous activities.
Mazindol is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically
dependent on this medication, and withdrawal effects may occur if you stop taking it suddenly
after several weeks of continuous use. Talk to your doctor about stopping this medication
gradually.
What should I avoid while taking mazindol?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Mazindol may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness, and it may hide the
symptoms of extreme tiredness. If you experience these effects, avoid hazardous activities.
What other drugs will affect mazindol?
You cannot take mazindol if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the last 14
days.
Changes in insulin and other diabetes drug therapies may be necessary during treatment
with mazindol.
Mazindol may reduce the effects of guanethidine (Ismelin). This could lead to an increase
in blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you are taking guanethidine.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking a tricyclic antidepressant
such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline
(Pamelor), imipramine (Tofranil), clomipramine (Anafranil), protriptyline (Vivactil), or
desipramine (Norpramin). These drugs may decrease the effects of mazindol.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with mazindol. Talk to your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not
a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009