What is phenylpropanolamine?
Phenylpropanolamine is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood
vessels (veins and arteries) in your body. Constriction of blood vessels in your sinuses, nose, and
chest allows drainage of those areas, which decreases congestion.
Phenylpropanolamine is used to treat the congestion associated with allergies, hay fever,
sinus irritation, and the common cold. Phenylpropanolamine also causes a decrease in appetite
and is used in some over-the-counter diet aids.
Phenylpropanolamine has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke
(bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may also be at risk.
Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.
Phenylpropanolamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking phenylpropanolamine?
Do not take phenylpropanolamine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in
the last 14 days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
-
high blood pressure;
-
any type of heart disease, hardening of the arteries, or
irregular heartbeat;
-
thyroid problems;
-
diabetes;
-
glaucoma or increased pressure in your eye;
-
an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating; or
-
liver or kidney disease.
You may not be able to take phenylpropanolamine, or you may require
a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed
above.
It is not known whether phenylpropanolamine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take
this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Infants are especially sensitive to the effects of phenylpropanolamine. Do not take
this drug if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects
from phenylpropanolamine. You may require a lower dose of this medication. Using a
short-acting formulation of phenylpropanolamine (not a long-acting or a controlled-release
formulation) may be safer if you are over 60 years of age.
How should I take phenylpropanolamine?
Take phenylpropanolamine exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the instructions
that accompany the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Never take this medication in larger doses or more often than is recommended. Too
much phenylpropanolamine could be very harmful.
If your symptoms are accompanied by a high fever, or if they do not improve in 7 days,
see your doctor.
Store phenylpropanolamine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of phenylpropanolamine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose.
Do
not
take a double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about phenylpropanolamine?
Your pharmacist has information about phenylpropanolamine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of phenylpropanolamine?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects from this medication, stop
taking phenylpropanolamine and seek emergency medical attention:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
seizures;
-
unusual behavior or hallucinations; or
-
an irregular or fast heartbeat.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take phenylpropanolamine and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
dizziness, lightheadedness, or drowsiness;
-
headache;
-
insomnia;
-
anxiety;
-
tremor (shaking) or restlessness;
-
nausea or vomiting; or
-
sweating.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about phenylpropanolamine?
Phenylpropanolamine has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke
(bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may also be at risk.
Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.
Do not take phenylpropanolamine for longer than 7 days if your condition does not
improve or if your symptoms are accompanied by a high fever.
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended on the package or by your
doctor.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Phenylpropanolamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness
or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
What should I avoid while taking phenylpropanolamine?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Phenylpropanolamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness
or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Never take this medication in larger doses or more often than is recommended. Too
much phenylpropanolamine could be very harmful.
What other drugs will affect phenylpropanolamine?
Do not take phenylpropanolamine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in
the last 14 days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Phenylpropanolamine may also interact with the following medicines:
-
furazolidone (Furoxone);
-
guanethidine (Ismelin);
-
indomethacin (Indocin);
-
methyldopa (Aldomet);
-
bromocriptine (Parlodel);
-
caffeine in cola, tea, coffee, chocolate, and other products;
-
theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theochron, Theolair, others);
-
tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil,
Endep), doxepin (Sinequan), and nortriptyline (Pamelor);
-
other commonly used tricyclic antidepressants,
including amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin),
imipramine (Tofranil), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil);
-
phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine),
thioridazine (Mellaril), and prochlorperazine (Compazine); and
-
other commonly used phenothiazines, including
fluphenazine (Prolixin), perphenazine (Trilafon), mesoridazine (Serentil), and trifluoperazine
(Stelazine).
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with
phenylpropanolamine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or
over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of phenylpropanolamine?