ABOUT COURSE
This course reveals the therapeutic perspective of Phentermine , a sympathomimetic amine anorectic used for short-term management of obesity in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise.
The curriculum covers essential topics for prescribers including:
- Indications
- Dosage and Administration
- Mechanism of Action
- Pharmacokinetics
- Warnings
- Drug Interactions
- Contraindications
- Augmentation Strategies
- Recommended Lab Tests
- Therapeutic Levels
- Overdose Management
- Tapering/Withdrawal
- Use in Special Populations-
- Pregnancy,
- Lactation,
- Renal Impairment,
- Hepatic Impairment,
- Cardiac Impairment,
- Elderly,
- Children and Adolescents.
- Important pearls based on years of practice.
- This course aims to enrich the clinical capabilities of psychiatric nurse practitioners and other prescribers, providing the knowledge to prescribe and manage Phentermine therapy effectively and safely.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Brand Names & Generic:
- Learn about brand names under which Phentermine is marketed.
- Learn about different generic names under which Phentermine is available in the market.
Indications:
- Learn the FDA-approved uses and potential off-label applications of Phentermine.
- Know the dosages for all potential off-label uses.
Dosage and Administration:
- Understand different medication forms and their administration.
- Implement appropriate dosage and administration guidelines for Phentermine in various clinical scenarios.
- Learn how to dose Phentermine correctly and identify usual dosage ranges.
Pharmacological Effects:
- Explore the mechanisms of Phentermine.
- Understand how Phentermine functions as an appetite suppressant by affecting the central nervous system.
- Discuss the impact of Phentermine on neurotransmitter levels and brain chemistry.
Pharmacokinetics:
- Absorption: Understand how Phentermine is absorbed in the body.
- Distribution: Learn about the distribution of Phentermine in the body.
- Metabolism: Discuss the metabolism of Phentermine.
- Elimination: Understand how Phentermine is eliminated from the body.
- Half-life: Know the half-life of Phentermine and its clinical significance.
Drug Interactions:
- Identify common drug interactions with Phentermine and strategies for managing them.
- Understand the mechanisms through which these interactions occur.
- Know which medications should be avoided with Phentermine due to drug interactions.
Common Side Effects:
- Learn about the most common side effects of Phentermine.
- Understand potential life-threatening side effects and how to manage them.
- Educate patients on what to expect and how to manage side effects.
Contraindications:
- Learn the conditions under which Phentermine should not be used.
- Understand the reasons why these conditions are contraindicated.
Best Augmenting Combos for Partial Response:
- Learn about the best augmenting combinations for patients with a partial response to Phentermine.
- Discover effective strategies for augmenting Phentermine therapy.
- Evaluate the efficacy and safety of common augmentation strategies.
Recommended Lab Tests:
- Learn about recommended lab tests for safe and effective monitoring.
- Identify necessary lab tests to monitor patients on Phentermine.
- Interpret lab results to guide treatment adjustments.
Therapeutic Monitoring:
- Apply strategies for therapeutic monitoring to optimize treatment outcomes.
- Know about the therapeutic blood levels for Phentermine.
Overdose:
- Understand the signs and symptoms of a Phentermine overdose.
- Recognize early warning signs of overdose and effective management strategies.
Tapering/Withdrawal:
- Apply best practices for tapering and withdrawal of Phentermine to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
- Follow the best protocols based on decades of clinical practice to safely taper Phentermine.
- Educate patients on the process and expected symptoms of tapering.
Usage with Special Populations:
- Gain insights into the unique considerations for prescribing Phentermine to special populations such as pregnancy, lactation, hepatic impairment, renal impairment, cardiac impairment, elderly, and children.
- Tailor Phentermine dosage for special populations considering their unique needs.
- Understand the risks and benefits of Phentermine use in these populations.
Important Pearls:
- Learn about essential clinical pearls to enhance practice and ensure patient safety.
- Understand the most important facts about Phentermine based on decades of clinical practice.
- Apply practical tips and experiences from clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.
