Dinitrophenol

In a recent report, Cutting, Mehrtens and Tainter¹summarized their experimental and clinical studies of the pharmacologic properties of alpha-dinitrophenol (1-2-4) (C₆H₃(NO₂)₂OH) and concluded that The outstanding actions [of the drug] are sustained increases in metabolism and body temperature, enormous activity of all metabolic functions, and fatal pyrexia with excessive doses. Doses within therapeutic range cause in man significant increases in metabolism without fever, which may be useful in treatment of obesity, hypothyroidism and similar depressed metabolic states. In a later communication, Tainter, Stockton and Cutting,²reporting on their clinical experience with the use of the drug in the treatment of obesity, stated: The predominant action of dinitrophenol is to stimulate metabolism and heat production.... An average loss of weight of between 2 and 3 pounds weekly was produced by an average daily dose of 0.3 Gm. (5 grains) of the