Mazindol
An appetite suppressant that works on the brain's hunger control centre, historically used for short-term weight management in resistant cases.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
Mazindol is an appetite suppressant that works on the brain hunger control centre. It was historically used for short-term weight management and is being reconsidered in some countries for patients who have not responded to other treatments.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Mazindol is a tetracyclic imidazoisoindole derivative that acts as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, suppressing appetite through central anorectic mechanisms distinct from amphetamine-class agents. It also exhibits weak serotonin reuptake inhibition and has been investigated for narcolepsy.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
While not a first-line treatment in Singapore, understanding older weight-loss medications helps patients and doctors make informed choices. Dr. Joseph Wang evaluates all available pharmacological options when tailoring a weight management plan for resistant cases.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.
