Phenylpropanolamine
Risk Factor: C
Class: AUTONOMICS
/ Sympathomimetics (Adrenergics)
Contents of this page:
Fetal Risk Summary
Breast Feeding Summary
References
Questions and Answers
Fetal Risk Summary
Phenylpropanolamine is a sympathomimetic used for anorexia and to alleviate the symptoms of allergic disorders or upper respiratory infections. Uterine vessels are normally maximally dilated and they have only a-adrenergic receptors (1). Use of the a- and b-adrenergic stimulant phenylpropanolamine could cause constriction of these vessels and reduce uterine blood flow, thereby producing fetal hypoxia (bradycardia). This drug is a common component of proprietary mixtures containing antihistamines and other drugs. Thus, it is difficult to separate the effects of phenylpropanolamine on the fetus from other drugs, disease states, and viruses.
Sympathomimetic amines are teratogenic in some animal species, but human teratogenicity has not been suspected (2,3). The Collaborative Perinatal Project monitored 50,282 mother-child pairs, 726 of which had 1st trimester exposure to phenylpropanolamine (4, pp. 345356). For use anytime during pregnancy, 2,489 exposures were recorded (4, p. 439). An association was found between 1st trimester use of phenylpropanolamine and malformations; association with minor defects was greater than with major defects (4, pp. 345356). For individual malformations, several possible associations were found (4, pp. 345356,477,491): First trimester Hypospadias (4 cases) Eye and ear (7 cases) (statistically significant) Polydactyly (6 cases) Cataract (3 cases) Pectus excavatum (7 cases) Anytime use Congenital dislocation of hip (12 cases) Except for eye and ear defects, the statistical significance of these associations is not known and independent confirmation is required. For the sympathomimetic class of drugs as a whole, an association was found between 1st trimester use and minor malformations (not life-threatening or major cosmetic defects), inguinal hernia, and clubfoot (4, pp. 345356). Indiscriminate use of this class of drugs, especially in the 1st trimester, is not without risk.
A case of infantile malignant osteopetrosis was described in a 4-month-old boy exposed in utero on several occasions to Contac (chlorpheniramine, phenylpropanolamine, and belladonna alkaloids), but this is a known genetic defect (5). The infant also had a continual stuffy nose.
Breast Feeding Summary
No data are available.
References
- Smith NT, Corbascio AN. The use and misuse of pressor agents. Anesthesiology 1970;33:58101.
- Nishimura H, Tanimura T. Clinical Aspects of the Teratogenicity of Drugs. Amsterdam: Excerpta Medica, 1976:231.
- Shepard TH. Catalog of Teratogenic Drugs. 3rd ed. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1980:1345.
- Heinonen OP, Slone D, Shapiro S. Birth Defects and Drugs in Pregnancy. Littleton, MA: Publishing Sciences Group, 1977.
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Golbus MS, Koerper MA, Hall BD. Failure to diagnose osteopetrosis in utero. Lancet 1976;2:1246.
Questions and Answers
phenylpropanolamine?, is it safe in children's medication?
PPA was taking out of all OTC meds several years ago.
Whats the pharmaolgical background of Phenylpropanolamine?, i am just curious regarding this drug since i am taking both carocistione and the PPL. is it harmful?
PPA ( Phenylpropanlamine) is a stimulant drug that is used in many slimming pills. In high doses, PPA has effects similar to amphetamines or " speed ". In lower doses, it may suppress appetite and aid in weight reduction but, some users suffer harmful side-effects, included raised blood pressure and irregular heartbeats. This drug is discontinued in the U.S. This med is also used as a decongestant. It can help relieve nasal or sinus stuffiness. I'm guessing that you are taking it for a cold??? because the other medication that you mentioned is prescribed helps loosens mucus secretions and can be prescribed for people who have COPD ( Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). However, the drug that I researched is Carbocisteine. Depending on the dose of PPA that you are taking then it maybe OK to take both. There is an interaction with PPA if it taken with medicines for colds and breathing difficulties, and alot of other medications. The best advice would be to ask your Doc if you should be using both at the same time. He/she knows your medical history. Here are 2 websites:
http://www.palliativedrugs.com/monograph...
http://www.answers.com/topic/phenylpropa...
I hope that this helps.
Want to buy OTC medication for sinus problems: Clemastine and phenylpropanolamine. What Brand name is this?, Apparently Tavist-D is prescription only. Can Clemastine and phenylpropanolamine be bought OTC?
Tavist is OTC, but in America PPA is off the market. Sorry!
Is blood work required every six months for dogs on phenylpropanolamine for incontinence?, We have a new vet who insists that blood work is required every six months for prescription of this drug. I can't find any evidence that is true looking around online, and no one else I know whose dog has been on this medication required regular bloodwork. This is a new vet, and I'm suspicious that some of their policies are geared more toward profitability than health.
Try calling around to several good vets. Not low end vets, but vets who see people who don't flinch at costs. I bet even the people at the front desk could tell you the answer as they do the scheduling and billing.
If your pet is on any long term medication, it's generally good to do periodic screening - especially if the drug has any side effects.
Good luck to you and I hope you find the answer you need! : )
Is it okay to take an antitussive and phenylpropanolamine hcl at the same time when you have colds?,
its actually not ok to take phenylpropanolamine at all.
In November 2000, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health warning regarding phenylpropanolamine (PPA) due to the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The FDA, supported by results of a research program, requested that manufacturers voluntarily discontinue marketing products that contain PPA and that consumers work with their healthcare providers to select alternative products.
Why does BFAD in the Philippines still approves Phenylpropanolamine(PPA) in medicine and OTC drugs?, the US FDA already recalled all medicines in the US due to the health risk this substance cause to the human body.
Processing in the Philippines is ever since very slow. Or they will only process things if something bad will happen to consumers and sensationalized by the media.
are combinations of phenylpropanolamine,dextromethorpan,an... paracetamol safe for breastfeeding mom?, and how long does it takes before a mom can breastfed the baby after taking these medications,its for an acute case only cause I have cough and colds.
if you just have a cold you dont need anything. boil some water and add some honey and squeezed lemon then drink.
why is phenylpropanolamine cause bleed reaction to a hypertensive patient?, please..i need your helps.........
Phenylpropanolamine is a sympathomimetic drug. This means it constricts the capillaries and arterioles. Its nasal decongestant action is because of that.
It has been found that this drug increases the risk of stroke due to this effect.
In patients who are destined to get a stroke their arterioles in the brain are narrowed already due to atherosclerosis or arteiosclerosis.
If this drug narrows them further the pressure in the capillaries increase and they may even rupture leading to bleeding and hence a stroke.
Or such narrowing may slow down the blood flow causing thrombosis.
In a hypertensive patient this tendency is more.
The above drug is not used in UK and has been removed from the British National Formulary
What is the allergy medicine 1 mg of clemastine and 75 mg of phenylpropanolamine, sold as? Thanks.?, IS IT GENERIC AND OTC?
Check with your local Pharmacist. Any drug store Pharmacist should be able to tell you free of charge.
