Clobenzorex (Asenlix, Dinintel, Finedal, Rexigen) is a stimulant drug of the amphetamine chemical class used as an appetite suppressant. The drug is legally distributed in Mexico under the trade name Asenlix by Aventis. Chemically, clobenzorex is an N-substituted amphetamine prodrug that is metabolized primarily into 4-hydroxyclobenzorex after ingestion; however, small amounts are also metabolized into dextroamphetamine. In commercial production, clobenzorex is supplied as the hydrochloride salt in green-tinted capsules. The drug gained use as a prescription anorectic in the 1970s.

Chemistry

Synthesis

Condensation between amphetamine (1) and 2-chlorobenzaldehyde (2) gives a Schiff-base, CID:1****350562****36 (3). Subsequent reduction with sodium borohydride completed the synthesis of clobenzorex (4).

Detection in urine

Clobenzorex can be detected in urine, which can cause false positives for workplace drug screening. It is one of many drugs that can cause false positives for amphetamine urine drug screening. It may be differentiated from amphetamine use through testing for metabolites such as 4-hydroxyclobenzorex or enantiomeric analysis.

Society and culture

Legal status

In Canada, Clobenzorex is not specifically listed in the CDSA, however due to structural similarity with norbenzphetamine, it is schedule I under item 19(17). In the UK it is a controlled drug (class B). In Brazil it's a controlled prohibited psychotropic (class A3). The substance is not scheduled in the United States and is unaffected by the Federal Analogue Act as a derivative of Benzphetamine. Clobenzorex is legal in the United States of America. Clobenzorex is not controlled within the United States or subject to import controls. Importation of clobenzorex for personal use is lawful provided that is for use to treat a condition with no approved medications, unlawful marketing is not occurring in the U.S, not deemed hazardous to health for the treating the condition, and is verified as a continuation of a treatment plan that began in a foreign country.

Recreational use

The use of clobenzorex is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency for use during sports competitions.