International reference: 4 US FDA recalls for this ingredient
Marketed Without an Approved NDA/ANDA: Product tested positive for Sibutramine, an appetite suppressant that was withdrawn from the U.S. market in October 2010 for safety reasons, making this product an unapproved new drug. (appetite)
Marketed Without an Approved NDA/ANDA: Bacai, Inc. DBA Ky Duyen House is voluntarily recalling Lite Fit USA, lot 13165, due to undeclared sibutramine, making it an unapproved new drug. (appetite)
Microbial contamination (appetite)
Marketed Without An Approved NDA/ANDA: tainted product marketed as a dietary supplement. Product found to be tainted with undeclared sibutramine, an appetite suppressant that was withdrawn from the US market for safety reasons, making it an unapproved drug. (appetite)
US-market enforcement records (OpenFDA), shown for reference - not specific to this product in Malawi.
HAPENZ LIQUID COMBINATION PRODUCT SYRUP
APPETITE STIMULANT
What it does
Appetite refers to the desire to eat food. It can be influenced by various factors including physical health, emotional state, and lifestyle.
Commonly used for: increasing appetite, treating anorexia, managing weight loss
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:45 · updated 2026-09-29 04:33:06
About appetite
Appetite refers to the desire to eat food. It can be influenced by various factors including physical health, emotional state, and lifestyle.
What it treats
- increasing appetite
- treating anorexia
- managing weight loss
How it works
Appetite is regulated by the brain and hormones that signal hunger and fullness. Various treatments can help stimulate appetite.
Who it's for
People who have lost their appetite due to illness, stress, or certain medical conditions.
Cautions
- • Consult a healthcare professional if appetite changes suddenly or significantly.
- • Monitor for underlying health issues contributing to appetite loss.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About stimulant
Stimulants are medications that increase activity in the brain and body, helping to improve focus and energy levels.
What it treats
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- narcolepsy
- certain cases of depression
How it works
Stimulants work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that help improve attention and alertness.
Who it's for
Stimulants are prescribed for individuals, including children and adults, who have specific conditions like ADHD or narcolepsy.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: appetite
Appetite refers to the physiological desire to consume food, influenced by various hormones, psychological factors, and environmental cues. It is regulated by complex interactions within the central nervous system (CNS), including areas such as the hypothalamus, which integrates signals related to energy intake and expenditure. Disorders of appetite can lead to conditions such as obesity, anorexia, and malnutrition.
Indications
- Obesity management
- Anorexia nervosa
- Cachexia
- Chronic diseases affecting appetite
- Nutritional deficiencies
Dosage
Children: Refer to specific appetite-modulating agents for detailed dosing information, as it varies depending on the drug used.
Adults: Refer to specific appetite-modulating agents for detailed dosing information, as it varies depending on the drug used.
Mechanism of action
The regulation of appetite involves several neurotransmitters and hormones. Key players include ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, and leptin, which suppresses it. The hypothalamus integrates these signals, adjusting hunger and satiety. Other factors include neuropeptide Y (NPY) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), which affect energy balance and food intake. Additionally, the endocannabinoid system has been implicated in the modulation of appetite and food intake.
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacodynamic responses to appetite regulation are influenced by various factors, including receptor sensitivity and hormonal feedback loops. Drugs that affect neurotransmitter levels or receptor activity can significantly alter appetite. For example, serotonin reuptake inhibitors may reduce appetite, while certain antipsychotics can increase it. The overall effect on appetite is a balance between stimulating and inhibitory signals in the body.
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics of appetite-affecting substances varies widely depending on the specific drug or hormone involved. For example, substances like ghrelin are rapidly cleared from the circulation, while others may have longer half-lives. Absorption rates, distribution, metabolism, and excretion can significantly differ among appetite-modulating agents, influencing their therapeutic use and potential side effects.
Pregnancy
The safety of appetite stimulants during pregnancy has not been well established. Caution should be exercised and a healthcare provider consulted before use.
Breast-feeding
Caution is advised when using appetite stimulants during breastfeeding, as the effects on the nursing infant are not well understood.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: stimulant
Stimulants are a class of drugs that increase activity in the brain and central nervous system. They are commonly used to treat conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity. Stimulants can enhance alertness, attention, and energy levels, making them effective for certain therapeutic uses. However, they also have a potential for abuse and dependence.
Indications
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Narcolepsy
- Obesity (as part of a comprehensive weight management program)
- Cognitive enhancement in certain clinical scenarios
Dosage
Children: Refer to BNF for Children for appropriate dosing recommendations based on age and weight.
Adults: Consult specific drug guidelines for dosing recommendations, as doses can vary significantly based on the medication and condition being treated.
Mechanism of action
Stimulants primarily work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine. This is achieved through various mechanisms, including the inhibition of reuptake of these neurotransmitters and the promotion of their release from presynaptic neurons. The effect leads to enhanced neurotransmission in pathways associated with attention, motivation, and reward.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic effects of stimulants include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, enhanced mood, increased wakefulness, and improved cognitive function. These effects are dose-dependent and can vary widely among individuals. Tolerance may develop with prolonged use, leading to a need for higher doses to achieve the same therapeutic effect.
Pharmacokinetics
Stimulants are typically well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1 to 3 hours post-administration. They are metabolized in the liver, often by cytochrome P450 enzymes, and have varying half-lives depending on the specific stimulant. Elimination occurs primarily through urine, with some metabolites being excreted unchanged.
Contra-indications
- Severe anxiety
- Agitation
- History of substance use disorder
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Hyperthyroidism
- Glaucoma
Adverse effects
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Appetite suppression
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Mood swings
Interactions
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Antihypertensive agents (may reduce efficacy)
- Other stimulants (increased risk of cardiovascular adverse effects)
- Antidepressants (especially those affecting serotonin levels)
Precautions
- Monitor for cardiovascular side effects in patients with pre-existing heart conditions
- Assess mental health history for risk of exacerbating anxiety or depression
- Use caution in patients with a history of seizures
- Regularly evaluate growth in pediatric patients
Pregnancy
Stimulant use during pregnancy should be carefully considered, as potential risks to the fetus may outweigh benefits. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended.
Breast-feeding
Stimulants may be excreted in breast milk, so caution is advised. A healthcare provider should be consulted to weigh risks and benefits.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Follow specific storage instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Formulations
- Tablets
- Extended-release capsules
- Liquid formulations
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.