Delayed onset of pulmonary hypertension associated with an appetite suppressant, mazindol: a case report

Jpn Circ J. 2000 Mar;64(3):218-21. doi: 10.1253/jcj.64.218.

Abstract

The use of the appetite suppressant agents aminorex and fenfluramine derivatives has been reported as a risk factor for the development of pulmonary hypertension. A 29-year-old female developed pulmonary hypertension suspected to be due to an amphetamine-like appetite suppressant agent, mazindol ((+/-)-5-(p-chlorophenyl)-2,5-dihydro-3H-imidazo [2,1-a] isoindol-5-ol). She was admitted to Sapporo Medical University Hospital with dyspnea due to severe pulmonary hypertension. Twelve months prior to admission, she had taken mazindol continuously for a period of 10 weeks. As yet, her pulmonary hypertension has not completely improved. This is the first reported case of mazindol-associated pulmonary hypertension, which developed after a long latent interval, and it suggests that mazindol is also a risk factor for the development of pulmonary hypertension, making long-term follow-up necessary for patients taking this anorectic agent.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aminorex / adverse effects
  • Aminorex / therapeutic use
  • Appetite Depressants / adverse effects*
  • Appetite Depressants / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / chemically induced*
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / physiopathology
  • Mazindol / adverse effects*
  • Mazindol / therapeutic use
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Appetite Depressants
  • Aminorex
  • Mazindol