Don’t believe social media: DNP is not safe

What is DNP (dinitrophenol)?

DNP (dinitrophenol) is a chemical promoted for use as a weight loss agent as well as for bodybuilding. It has also been used as a pesticide and herbicide, as well as an intermediate in the production of explosives, dyes, and photographic chemicals. It is banned in the US. There is research on using low doses for overnutrition-related diseases, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s), traumatic brain injury, diabetes, and fatty liver.

Is DNP safe?

Taking DNP outside of supervised research use is not safe. There is very little difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic or lethal dose. Serious or fatal effects can occur even at low doses. There is no antidote.

Is DNP legal?

DNP is approved for industrial use as a pesticide but not for human consumption. Some still use it hoping for rapid weight-loss, although it frequently causes fatal increases in body temperature. Industrial manufacturers target those looking to lose weight selling DNP under names like Aldifen, Chemox, Dinosan, Dnoc, and Solfo Black.

How does DNP work?

Normally, the body produces usable energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in a process called oxidative phosphorylation. DNP interferes with ATP production by disrupting oxidative phosphorylation. As a result, the body burns fats and carbohydrates very quickly, releasing energy as heat rather than forming ATP. This increases the metabolic rate, which is harmful to the heart and lungs.

Can you overdose on DNP?

It is very easy to overdose on DNP. There is almost no difference between a self-treatment dose and a toxic or lethal dose.

Side effects and health risks of DNP

Side effects of DNP include headache, weakness, vomiting, lethargy, increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate, convulsions, and coma. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels, resulting in organ failure and death. Sweating and dehydration also occur. Pulmonary edema, hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells), and injury to the pancreas, liver, and kidneys can occur. Death is due to cardiovascular collapse or very high body temperature.

Chronic use of DNP can cause cataracts and glaucoma, dermatitis, peripheral neuropathy (numbness, weakness, and pins and needles sensation), heart, liver, and kidney dysfunction, and bone marrow suppression (decrease in white blood cells, aplastic anemia).

Does DNP interact with medications or supplements?

When DNP is taken with stimulants such as caffeine, ephedrine, synephrine, and yohimbine, dangerous increases in heart rate and body temperature can occur. Seizures might also develop.

Although data are scant, when DNP and some anticonvulsants (such as phenobarbital, carbamazepine, or phenytoin) are taken together, the DNP might cause diminished seizure control or cause toxic concentrations of the anticonvulsant medication to accumulate in the body.

When taken with antidepressants, especially SSRIs (like Zoloft), SNRIs (like Effexor) and MAOIs (like Nardil), DNP can cause a fatal increase in body temperature, serotonin syndrome, low blood sugar, and organ damage.

If DNP is taken with aspirin or other salicylates, even more uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation occurs, and fatal high body temperature can result.

Thyroid hormones interact with DNP to disrupt both metabolic regulation and the way the body uses thyroid hormones. This can cause thyroid hormones to be deactivated and excreted from the body faster and cause dangerously increased body temperature.

When DNP is combined with alcohol, cardiovascular stress can increase, resulting in rapid heart rate, dehydration, organ failure, and dangerously elevated body temperature.

DNP marketing on social media: What to know

DNP is heavily marketed on social media, including forums, user testimonials, and private messaging channels. Fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders are targeted with promises that DNP will maintain muscle mass while reducing body fat. People with eating disorders are targeted with promises that it will lead to rapid weight loss. It is falsely labeled as safe.

Have more questions about DNP?

If someone swallows DNP, they should be taken to an emergency room immediately.

If you have a question about using DNP or another weight loss drug, use the webPOISONCONTROL^® online tool or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Whether online or by phone, expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.