Ionamin is manufactured by Celltech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It is a prescription pill used for the treatment of obesity. Phentermine is the basic drug in Ionamin. It is an appetite suppressant drug. Ionamin comes in the form of capsules; 15mg and 30mg of strengths. Ionamin 15mg capsules contains 15 mg of phentermine, D&C Yellow No. 10, dibasic calcium phosphate, FD&C Yellow No. 6, Gelatin, iron oxides (15 mg capsules only), lactose, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide. Whereas, Ionamin 30mg capsules contains 30 mg of phentermine, D&C Yellow No. 10, dibasic calcium phosphate, FD&C Yellow No. 6, Gelatin, lactose, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide.

Ionamin is prescribed by the doctor and the usual dose is of one capsule per day, early in the morning either before or after the breakfast. There is one more thing that is important, the medication should be taken along water and the water intake should be increased while the drug is being used. The medication should not be used after evening as it may cause insomnia.

How does Ionamin works?

Ionamin has Phentermine as the main component; it is similar to amphetamine in the mode of action. It acts on the central nervous system and suppresses the appetite centre hence decreasing the uptake of food. It also increases the blood pressure which also helps the appetite to reduce. Blood levels obtained with the 15 and 30 mg resin-complex formulations indicated slower absorption with a reduced but prolonged peak concentration and without a significant difference in prolongation of blood levels when compared with the same doses of phentermine hydrochloride.

Precautionary states:

Certain conditions of the patients; whether health related or activity related, needs special precautions. The people who need precautions are:

Patients with history of high blood pressure.
Patients with mild to moderate heart condition.
History of arteriosclerosis or family history of arteriosclerosis.
Patients having overactive thyroid.
Diabetics.
Patients with risk of glaucoma.
Patients susceptible to drug abuse.
Patients with any allergies, especially a known allergy to phentermine.
Any medicines (both prescription and over the counter) that a patient is taking.
If the woman is planning to become pregnant.
Patients who are prone to agitated states.

Absolute Contraindications:

Some conditions are extremely serious and should not be overlooked at all. Serious health conditions can have fatal results if Ionamin is used in the presence of these conditions. The serious conditions include:

Hypersensitivity to Ionamin/Phentermine or any other drug, or to resins.
Previous allergic experience to amphetamine or phentermine.
Pregnancy.
Breast feeding mothers.
Hypertension (moderate to high) or uncontrolled hypertension.
Coronary heart disease.
Advanced arteriosclerosis.
Bleeding disorders.
Glaucoma patients.
Patients with anxiety or extensive depression disorders.
Patients who are insomniac.
Patients who need very critical attention state to work, like the ones handling sensitive machinery, chemicals or doing some serious jobs like drivers, surgeons, etc.
Liver cirrhosis or kidney malfunctions.

What Side effects to expect when using Ionamin?

Palpitation.
Tachycardia.
Elevation of blood pressure.
Primary pulmonary hypertension.
Restlessness.
Insomnia.
Excess energy.
Euphoric state.
Dyspnea.
Weakness.
Ankle and leg swelling.
Headaches.
Migraines.
Dysphoria.
Light headedness.
Diarrhea or constipation.
Dry mouth.
Unpleasent metallic taste in mouth.
Fatigue.
Impotence.
Changes in libido.
Agitated behavior.
Skin itching or urticaria.

More common symptoms of over-dosage can include: Unusually high energy levels, tremor, hyper-reflexia, increased breathing rate, confusion, assaultiveness, hallucinations, panic, extreme tiredness, depression, arrhythmia, hypertension or hypotension, circulatory collapse, nausea and sickness, diarrhea, abdominal cramps. In case of over-dosage, rush to the doctor. In such conditions gastric lavage is a must. Keeping the track of dosage and side effects is very important, and letting your doctor know it in time is even more important. All medicines should be kept away from the reach of children and these weight loss medications are not to be administered to children less than 18 years of age. Children above 12 years of age, IF, have serious health risks due to obesity can be given Ionamin, but even then not without the doctor's consent. And the medication should be administered to the child under observation of parent or supervisor.