Phentermine-Associated Pseudomembranous Colitis

Rare Case of Endoscopically Diagnosed Ischemic Colitis Secondary to Chronic Phentermine Use

“…Phentermine is an amine anorectic that acts as a sympathomimetic agent and undergoes hepatic metabolism predominantly through CYP3A4. 1 It has been utilized as a pharmacotherapy agent for facilitating weight loss since the 1950s and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2012. 2 Side effects of phentermine can include pulmonary hypertension, valvular heart disease, palpitations, increased heart rate or blood pressure, diarrhea, and cognitive impairment.…”

“… 2 , 3 Thus far, there has been only 5 reported cases of phentermine-induced ischemic colitis published. 1 , 4 , 10 , 11 , 12 The mechanism of action for ischemic colitis from phentermine is not well defined but will be discussed in this review. We present a case of a woman who used phentermine daily for weight loss and was endoscopically confirmed to have ischemic colitis after presenting with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea.…”