Levofenfluramine (
INN), or
(-)-3-trifluoromethyl-N-ethylamphetamine, also known as
(-)-fenfluramine or
(R)-fenfluramine, is a
drug of the
amphetamine family that, itself (i.e., in
enantiopure form), was never marketed. It is the
levorotatory enantiomer of
fenfluramine, the
racemic form of the compound, whereas the
dextrorotatory enantiomer is
dexfenfluramine. Both fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine are
anorectic agents that have been used clinically in the treatment of
obesity (and hence, levofenfluramine has been as well since it is a component of fenfluramine). However, they have since been discontinued due to reports of causing
cardiovascular conditions such as
valvular heart disease and
pulmonary hypertension,
adverse effects that are likely to be caused by excessive stimulation of
5-HT2B receptors expressed on
heart valves.