dexfenfluramine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/Scientific/Medical
Quick answer
What does “dexfenfluramine” mean?
A synthetic chemical compound derived from fenfluramine, primarily used as an anorectic or appetite suppressant drug.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A synthetic chemical compound derived from fenfluramine, primarily used as an anorectic or appetite suppressant drug.
A racemate-free isomer of fenfluramine, acting as a serotoninergic agent, historically prescribed for weight management but withdrawn in many countries due to associated cardiovascular risks.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; both use the same term. Regulatory history and brand name availability may differ slightly.
Connotations
Strongly negative connotations in public health contexts due to its association with the 'fen-phen' scandal and valvular heart disease.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside medical, pharmacological, or legal discussions concerning withdrawn medications.
Grammar
How to Use “dexfenfluramine” in a Sentence
Dexfenfluramine [verb: was prescribed/was withdrawn/causes] for [condition: obesity]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dexfenfluramine” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The dexfenfluramine study yielded controversial results.
- Post-marketing dexfenfluramine data revealed significant risks.
American English
- The dexfenfluramine trial was halted early.
- Dexfenfluramine-related side effects were severe.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in pharmaceutical industry analysis, litigation, and drug withdrawal case studies.
Academic
Used in pharmacology, toxicology, medical history, and public health research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in medical charts, pharmacological literature, and regulatory documents.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dexfenfluramine”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dexfenfluramine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dexfenfluramine”
- Misspelling as 'dexfenflouramine' or 'dexfenfluramin'.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a dexfenfluramine') instead of a proper substance name.
- Confusing it with its parent compound, fenfluramine.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has been withdrawn from the market in most countries, including the US and UK, due to serious cardiovascular side effects.
Fenfluramine is a racemic mixture. Dexfenfluramine is the purified, pharmacologically active dextrorotatory isomer.
It is infamous for being part of the 'fen-phen' diet drug combination that caused widespread cases of heart valve disease.
You would encounter it in the fields of pharmacology, medical history, toxicology, and drug regulation law.
A synthetic chemical compound derived from fenfluramine, primarily used as an anorectic or appetite suppressant drug.
Dexfenfluramine is usually technical/scientific/medical in register.
Dexfenfluramine: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɛksfɛnˈflʊərəmiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɛksfɛnˈflʊrəˌmin/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DEXfenfluramine: Think 'DEXterity' in suppressing appetite, but it's the 'right-handed' (dextrorotatory) isomer.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BANNED TOOL (a chemical tool for weight loss that was deemed too dangerous and locked away).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary pharmacological action of dexfenfluramine?