PPA - Phenylpropanolamine
What is PPA - Phenylpropanolamine?
PPA - Phenylpropanolamine is an ingredient used in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drug products as a nasal decongestant to relieve stuffy nose or sinus congestion and in OTC weight control drug products to control appetite.
Why is PPA - Phenylpropanolamine unsafe when this product has been in use for many years?
On May 11, 2000, FDA received results of a study conducted by scientists at Yale University School of Medicine that showed an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding of the brain) in people who were taking PPA - Phenylpropanolamine. PPA - Phenylpropanolamine has been used for many years and a very small number of people taking the drug have had strokes. The Yale study helped show that the number of people having strokes when taking phenylpropanolamine was greater than the number of people having strokes who were not taking phenylpropanolamine. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is very low, FDA has significant concerns because of the seriousness of a stroke and the inability to predict who is at risk. Because of continued reports to the FDA of hemorrhagic stroke associated with phenylpropanolamine and the results of the Yale study, we now feel that the risks of using PPA - Phenylpropanolamine outweigh the benefits and recommend that consumers no longer use products containing PPA - Phenylpropanolamine.
Are there any population groups at higher risk when using products containing PPA - Phenylpropanolamine?
The Yale University study showed that the risk of hemorrhagic stroke was found mostly in women; however, men may also be at risk.
What types of products contain PPA - Phenylpropanolamine?
PPA - Phenylpropanolamine is found in some prescription and OTC nasal decongestants and cough/cold products and OTC products for weight control.
My family has been using products that contain PPA - Phenylpropanolamine; is there any danger?
In the Yale study, the increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke was detected, among women using the drug for weight control and for nasal decongestion, in the 3 days after starting use of the medication. While the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is very small, for this reason we suggest you stop taking the drug immediately and use an alternative drug product.
Is there another medicine that I can take in place of my medicine that contains PPA - Phenylpropanolamine?
Yes, there are other products on the market that do not contain PPA - Phenylpropanolamine. Ask your pharmacist or health care provider what other products are available for your needs.
How will I know if my OTC (Over The Counter) products contain PPA, phenylpropanolamine?
OTC drug products containing this ingredient may be identified by looking for "phenylpropanolamine" in the list of active ingredients on the label. If you are still unsure, check with your pharmacist to help you determine if a product contains phenylpropanolamine.
How will I know if my prescription nasal decongestant or cough/cold products contain phenylpropanolamine?
If you are using a prescription nasal decongestant or cough/cold product you should talk to your pharmacist or health care provider to determine if phenylpropanolamine is present.
MEDICATIONS CONTAINING PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE:
» Acutrim Diet Gum Appetite Suppressant
» Acutrim Plus Dietary Supplements
» Acutrim Maximum Strength Appetite Control
» Alka-Seltzer Plus Children's Cold Medicine Effervescent
» Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine (cherry or orange)
» Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine
» Original Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Medicine Effervescent
» Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu Medicine
» Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Sinus Effervescent
» Alka Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine
» BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder
» BC Sinus Cold Powder
» Comtrex Flu Therapy & Fever Relief Day & Night
» Contac 12-Hour Cold Capsules
» Contac 12-Hour Caplets
» Coricidin D Cold, Flu & Sinus
» Dexatrim Caffeine Free
» Dexatrim Extended Duration
» Dexatrim Gelcaps
» Dexatrim Vitamin C/Caffeine Free
» Dimetapp Cold & Allergy Chewable Tablets
» Dimetapp Cold & Cough Liqui-Gels
» Dimetapp DM Cold & Cough Elixir
» Dimetapp Elixir
» Dimetapp 4 Hour Liquid Gels
» Dimetapp 4 Hour Tablets
» Dimetapp 12 Hour Extentabs Tablets
» Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops
» Permathene Mega-16
» Robitussin CF
» Tavist-D 12 Hour Relief of Sinus & Nasal Congestion
» Triaminic DM Cough Relief
» Triaminic Expectorant Chest & Head
» Triaminic Syrup Cold & Allergy
» Triaminic Triaminicol Cold & Cough
» Triaminic Orange 3D Cold & Allergy Cherry (Pink)
» Triaminic 3D Cold & Cough Berry
» Triaminic 3D Cough Relief Yellow 3D Expectorant
