| Item |
Information |
|
Drug Groups
|
approved; withdrawn |
|
Description
|
Phenylpropanolamine has been withdrawn in Canada. In November 2000, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory against the use of the drug. |
| Indication |
For the treatment of nasal congestion, control of urinary incontinence, priapism and obesity. |
| Pharmacology |
Phenylpropanolamine (PPA), a sympathomimetic agent structurally similar to pseudoephedrine, is used to treat nasal congestion. Phenylpropanolamine is found in appetite suppressant formulations and with guaifenesinin in cough-cold formulations. In 2000, the FDA requested that all drug companies discontinue marketing products containing phenylpropanolamine, due to an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke in women who used phenylpropanolamine. |
| Toxicity |
May induce ventricular extrasystoles and short paroxysms of ventricular tachycardia, a sensation of fullness in the head and tingling of the extremities; LD50=1490mg/kg (orally in rat) |
| Affected Organisms |
| • |
Humans and other mammals |
|
| Biotransformation |
Hepatic |
| Absorption |
Reduced bioavailability (about 38%) from gastrointestinal tract because of first pass metabolism by monoamine oxidase in the stomach and liver. |
| Half Life |
2.1 to 3.4 hours. |
| External Links |
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