The Composition of Duromine

Duromine is the brand name of a prescription weight-loss drug marketed around the world, but it was discontinued in the U.S. in 2010 due to a lack of medical research showing its efficacy and safety. However, this pharmaceutical is available on the Internet, but you should consult a physician before using any dietary supplement. The ingredients of Duromine include phentermine, lactose, gelatin, magnesium stearate, liquid paraffin and titanium dioxide.

Phentermine

• Originally approved by the FDA in 1959, phentermine received authorization to be sold as an appetite suppressant but was not commercially available until the early 1970s. As with Duromine, there have been relatively few clinical studies involving phentermine. In 1990, the drug came under scrutiny when it was sold under the brand name of Fen-Phen, which was a combination of phentermine with the pharmaceuticals fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine. After two dozen cases of heart-valve disease were attributed to the usage of this drug, it was voluntarily pulled from the market by its manufacturer. The FDA has allowed phentermine to continue to be sold in the US. However, due to its similarity to amphetamines, it is classified as a controlled substance. Several medical studies available on the Internet have verified its efficacy in combating obesity, but many have reached different conclusions as to its safety for long-term use.

Lactose

• Lactose is the sugar found in milk. It is a disaccharide, a combination of two monosaccharides, namely galactose and glucose. Lactose had been added as an ingredient to Duromine because it is a mild diuretic, especially for those with intolerance to the sugar.

Gelatin

• Gelatin is an odorless, colorless and tasteless derivative of collagen from the skin and bones of animals and is available in granular and powder form. It is primarily used as a thickening agent for foods such as yogurts, candies, gelatin desserts and marshmallows.

Magnesium Stearate

• Magnesium stearate, also know as octadecaoic acid, is a salt composed of stearic acid and magnesium, which is produced from animal and vegetable oils. It is included in pharmaceuticals as a diluent, a substance that has lubricating properties that prevent other ingredients from clumping together. Many time-released drugs contain magnesium stearate, as it affects the cohesiveness of other compounds and, to some degree, can control rates of digestion.

Liquid Paraffin

• Liquid paraffin is a white mineral oil used as a laxative for medical purposes. However, it has limited efficacy because it can cause irritation to the bowel and skin and has been shown to impede the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Titanium Dioxide

• Titanium dioxide, more correctly named titanium (IV) oxide, has a variety of uses, including a coloration for paint, a nanocrystal in solar cells for electronic circuitry, a sun block used in sun-sreen products and a food and toothpaste coloring agent.