Leena Watts
Phenylpropanolamine is a drug that has been used to treat nasal congestion due to colds, hay fever, allergies, and sinusitis. It has also been used as a diet aid for weight loss and as an adjunct to calorie restriction. While it was previously available over the counter in many countries, concerns have been raised about its safety, particularly the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, which has led to its discontinuation in some countries. Brand names of phenylpropanolamine include Acutrim, Dexatrim, and Dimetapp, among others. Despite the concerns, it is still available for medical and veterinary use in certain countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand Names | Acutrim, Appedrine, Capton Diet, Control, Dexatrim, Emagrin Plus A.P., Glifentol, Kontexin, Merex, Monydrin, Mydriatine, Prolamine, Propadrine, Propagest, Recatol, Rinexin, Tinaroc, and Westrim |
| Uses | Treat congestion associated with allergies, hay fever, sinus irritation, and the common cold. Decrease appetite and is used in some over-the-counter diet aids. |
| Side Effects | Increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, dry mouth, restlessness, trouble sleeping |
| Precautions/Contraindications | Not recommended for use by the FDA due to stroke risk. Not to be used if taken MAOIs in the last 14 days. Not recommended for pregnant/breastfeeding individuals without medical advice. May cause dizziness/drowsiness, avoid hazardous activities. |
| Dosage | 25 mg orally every 4 hours or 75 mg orally extended-release every 12 hours, not to exceed 150 mg/day. |
| Availability | Available for veterinary use in some countries. Previously available in the US, UK, and India but discontinued due to safety concerns. |
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What You'll Learn
- Phenylpropanolamine is linked to an increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke
- It is used to treat congestion associated with allergies, hay fever, sinus irritation and the common cold
- It is available in prescription and over-the-counter forms
- It is not recommended for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- It is used as an adjunct to calorie restriction in short-term weight loss
Phenylpropanolamine is linked to an increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke
Phenylpropanolamine is a drug structurally related to amphetamine, though less potent. It has been used as a nasal decongestant, an over-the-counter anorectic, and an antiobesity agent. It is also commonly found in appetite suppressants and cough or cold remedies.
Phenylpropanolamine has been associated with an increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain). This risk is especially pronounced in women, with one study finding that the adjusted odds ratio was 15.92 (95% confidence interval, 1.38 to 184.13; P=0.03) for the association between the use of appetite suppressants containing phenylpropanolamine and the risk of haemorrhagic stroke in women. However, it is important to note that the risk of haemorrhagic stroke is very low, and an analysis in men showed no increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke associated with the use of cough or cold remedies containing phenylpropanolamine.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings and recommendations against the use of products containing phenylpropanolamine due to the potential risk of haemorrhagic stroke. In November 2000, the FDA requested that drug companies discontinue marketing products containing phenylpropanolamine. In 2005, the FDA removed phenylpropanolamine from over-the-counter sale and revoked its "generally recognized as safe and effective" (GRASE) status.
Despite the concerns and actions taken by the FDA, phenylpropanolamine remains available in some countries. Brand names of phenylpropanolamine include Acutrim, Appedrine, Capton Diet, Control, Dexatrim, and more. It is also available for veterinary use in some countries, such as for the treatment of urinary incontinence in dogs.
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It is used to treat congestion associated with allergies, hay fever, sinus irritation and the common cold
Phenylpropanolamine is a medication used to treat congestion associated with allergies, hay fever, sinus irritation, and the common cold. It is also used as an over-the-counter diet aid due to its appetite-suppressing effects.
Allergies, hay fever, sinus irritation, and the common cold can all cause congestion due to inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages, leading to a stuffy nose and sinus pressure. While congestion from the common cold usually clears up within a few days, congestion caused by allergies or hay fever may require a longer-term treatment strategy.
Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is an allergic reaction to tiny particles in the air called allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, mould, and dust mites. It causes symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, an itchy nose, and watery eyes. Hay fever can be treated with lifestyle changes, allergy medications, and immunotherapy (allergy shots). Allergy medications for hay fever include antihistamines, which block the histamine released during an allergic response, and decongestants, which can be taken orally or used as a nasal spray.
Congestion caused by sinus irritation can be treated with various methods. One way is to use a bioelectronic sinus device, which is placed on the face and uses small electrical currents to stimulate nerves, reducing pain and congestion. Another method is to place a warm, wet towel on the face to relieve discomfort and open the nasal passages. Using a humidifier or vaporizer can also help bring moisture into the air and relieve sinus congestion. Nasal strips can be used to widen the nostrils and improve breathing.
There are also several treatments for congestion in general, regardless of the underlying cause. Nasal sprays can reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and help clear mucus, improving breathing. Decongestant nasal sprays provide short-term relief by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages to reduce swelling. Saline nasal sprays are simply saltwater solutions that thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to expel. Steroid nasal sprays reduce inflammation and provide long-term relief from allergic rhinitis. Staying hydrated can also help to thin mucus in the nasal passages and relieve congestion.
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It is available in prescription and over-the-counter forms
Phenylpropanolamine is a drug used to treat nasal congestion due to colds, hay fever, upper respiratory allergies, and sinusitis. It is available in prescription and over-the-counter forms.
In the United States, phenylpropanolamine was previously available over the counter and in certain combination drug forms by prescription. An example of the latter was a combination of phenylpropanolamine and chlorpheniramine, which had decongestant and antihistamine effects. These forms have been discontinued in the U.S. However, phenylpropanolamine remains available in some countries, including Sweden and Germany.
In the United Kingdom, phenylpropanolamine was available in many "all-in-one" cough and cold medications, which usually also featured paracetamol or another analgesic and caffeine. It could also be purchased on its own. However, it is no longer approved for human use in the UK, and a European Category 1 Licence is required to purchase or acquire it for academic or research purposes.
Phenylpropanolamine has been used as a nasal decongestant, an over-the-counter anorectic, and an antiobesity agent. It has been found in over-the-counter medications, including nasal decongestants, cough and cold remedies, and appetite suppressants. It has also been used as a nonprescription diet aid for weight loss.
The use of phenylpropanolamine for weight loss is typically limited to 12 weeks. It is important to note that phenylpropanolamine has been associated with adverse reactions, including an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or surrounding tissue) in women, and men may also be at risk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public health advisory and recommended that consumers not use any products containing phenylpropanolamine.
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It is not recommended for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Phenylpropanolamine is a drug used to treat nasal congestion due to colds, hay fever, upper respiratory allergies, and sinusitis. It is also used as an adjunct to calorie restriction in short-term weight loss. Phenylpropanolamine was previously available over the counter and in certain combination drug forms by prescription in the United States.
However, it is no longer approved for human use in the United Kingdom and has been discontinued in the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recommend its use due to safety concerns. In November 2000, the FDA issued a public health advisory, requesting that all drug companies discontinue marketing products containing phenylpropanolamine. The agency estimated that phenylpropanolamine caused between 200 and 500 strokes per year among 18-to-49-year-old users.
The FDA has taken steps to remove phenylpropanolamine from all drug products and has issued a health advisory regarding the drug. The FDA recommends that consumers read the labels of over-the-counter (OTC) drug products to determine if they contain phenylylpropanolamine or PPA. The FDA believes this is the most accurate method for consumers to identify products containing PPA, rather than providing a list of products that may have been reformulated and no longer contain it.
Phenylpropanolamine has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or surrounding tissue) in women, and men may also be at risk. While the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is considered low, the FDA recommends that consumers avoid using any products that contain phenylpropanolamine. This recommendation is based on the seriousness of a stroke and the inability to predict who is at risk.
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It is used as an adjunct to calorie restriction in short-term weight loss
Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) is a sympathomimetic agent used as a decongestant and appetite suppressant. It was once common in prescription and over-the-counter cough and cold preparations. The medication is taken orally. Due to its potential use in amphetamine manufacture, it is controlled by the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005. It is also available for veterinary use in dogs as a treatment for urinary incontinence.
Phenylpropanolamine was first synthesized in the early 20th century, in or around 1910. It was patented as a mydriatic in 1913. The pressor effects of phenylpropanolamine were characterized in the late 1920s and the 1930s. The compound is relatively lipophilic, but is also more hydrophilic than other amphetamines. The lipophilicity of amphetamines is closely related to their brain permeability.
Phenylpropanolamine has been associated with adverse reactions, including stroke and neurological events, leading to a recall by the US FDA in 2000. It is advisable to avoid its use due to safety concerns. The FDA has issued a public health advisory concerning phenylpropanolamine and has requested that all drug companies discontinue marketing products containing PPA. In addition, the FDA has removed PPA from all drug products. The agency estimates that phenylpropanolamine caused between 200 and 500 strokes per year among 18-to-49-year-old users.
Despite the risks, phenylpropanolamine is still available in some countries, such as Sweden and Germany, where it can be obtained by prescription or sometimes over the counter. It is important to note that the use of phenylpropanolamine for weight loss should be limited to 12 weeks. It is not recommended for use beyond this duration.
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Frequently asked questions
Phenylpropanolamine is a drug used to treat nasal congestion due to colds, hay fever, upper respiratory allergies, and sinusitis. It is available in nonprescription products and in combination with other prescription drugs.
Phenylpropanolamine has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke, especially in women. Other side effects include dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, dry mouth, restlessness, and trouble sleeping.
Phenylpropanolamine was previously available over the counter and by prescription in the United States. However, due to safety concerns, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken steps to remove it from all drug products and has issued a public health advisory recommending against its use. It is no longer approved for human use in the UK and Europe.
Brand names of phenylpropanolamine include Accutrim, Dexatrim, and Emagrin Plus A.P., among others. It is also available in combination with other drugs under brand names such as Dimetapp and Sinarest.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking phenylpropanolamine. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or over 60 years old, as you may be more likely to experience side effects.
