Dexatrim - History of Dexatrim

History of Dexatrim

Dexatrim has been on the market for more than 30 years. The brand was originally owned by Thompson Medical, which was acquired by Chattem in 1998. It is now part of Sanofi-Aventis. Dexatrim formula has changed considerably over the years. In prior formulations, Dexatrim contained the decongestant phenylpropanolamine (PPA) and the amphetamine-like compound ephedra. A 2000 study by Yale University School of Medicine showed an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke with taking PPA. A case of myocardial injury was also reported using Dexatrim (with PPA) at doses recommended for weight control. In 2000, following the request of the FDA to discontinue marketing drug products containing PPA, Dexatrim dropped PPA from its formula. In 2004, FDA banned a second Dexatrim ingredient, ephedra. Although ephedra showed some effectiveness for short-term weight loss, it was linked to raising blood pressure an increasing the risk of heart problems and stroke.