Phenylpropanolamine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Phenylpropanolamine What Medicine?

What is Phenylpropanolamine for?

Phenylpropanolamine is a decongestant drug with the function of shrinking blood vessels (veins and arteries) in your body. Narrowing of the blood vessels in the sinuses, nose, and chest improves flow to these areas, which in turn reduces congestion.

Phenylpropanolamine is used to treat congestion related to allergies, hay fever, sinus irritation, and the common cold. Phenylpropanolamine also causes a decrease in appetite and is used in a number of dietary aids on the market.

Phenylpropanolamine has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into the tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not use products that contain Phenylpropanolamine.

Phenylpropanolamine can also be used for purposes other than those listed in the medication guide.

Phenylpropanolamine dosages and side effects of phenylpropanolamine will be explained further below.

How to use Phenylpropanolamine?

Use Phenylpropanolamine exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the directions that came with the medicine 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.

Do not take this medication in doses that are larger or more frequent than recommended. Too much Phenylpropanolamine can be very dangerous.

If symptoms appear accompanied by high fever, or if they don't get better within 7 days, contact your doctor.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Phenylpropanolamine?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Phenylpropanolamine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Phenylpropanolamine for adults?

Usual Adult Dose for Blocked Nose:

25 mg orally every 4 hours.

-or-

75 mg orally large measure every 12 hours.

Do not exceed 150 mg / day.

Usual adult dosage for weight loss:

25 mg orally 3 times a day, one-half hour before meals.

-or-

75 mg orally once a day in the morning.

The use of Phenylpropanolamine for weight loss should be limited to 12 weeks.

What is the dosage of Phenylpropanolamine for children?

Usual children's dosage for nasal congestion:

2-6 years:

6.25 mg orally every 4 hours. The maximum daily dose is 37.5 mg.

6 to 12 years:

12.5 mg orally every 4 hours. The maximum daily dose is 75 mg.

> 12 years:

25 mg orally every 4 hours.

-or-

75 mg orally large measure every 12 hours.

Do not exceed 150 mg / day.

In what dosage is Phenylpropanolamine available?

5 ml syrup

Phenylpropanolamine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Phenylpropanolamine?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects of this medicine, stop using phenylpropanolamine and seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, or hives);
• Seizures
• Unusual behavior or hallucinations; or
• Irregular or fast heartbeat

Less serious side effects are possible. Keep using phenylpropanolamine and talk to your doctor if you experience this

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or drowsiness;
• Headache;
• Insomnia,
• Worry;
• Tremor (shaking) or restlessness;
• Nausea or vomiting or
• Sweating.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about side effects that seem unusual or that are particularly bothersome.

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Phenylpropanolamine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Phenylpropanolamine?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• High blood pressure;
• Types of heart disease, hardening of the arteries, or irregular heartbeat;
• Thyroid problems;
• Diabetes;
• Glaucoma or increased pressure in your eye;
• Enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating; or
• Liver disease or kidney disease.

You may not be able to use Phenylpropanolamine, or you may need a lower dose or special supervision 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.

Babies are very sensitive to the effects of Phenylpropanolamine. Do not use this medication if you are breastfeeding a baby.

If you are over 60 years of age, you are more likely to experience the side effects of Phenylpropanolamine. You may need a lower dose of this drug. The use of a short-term formulation of Phenylpropanolamine (not a long-term or controlled formulation) may be safer if you are over 60 years of age.

Is Phenylpropanolamine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Phenylpropanolamine Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Phenylpropanolamine?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval

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 include 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 medication on the market

Can food or alcohol interact with Phenylpropanolamine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Phenylpropanolamine?

Sympathomimetics can cause adverse cardiovascular effects, especially when used in high doses and / or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissue, this substance can produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects through stimulation of beta-1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and heart work can be increased. In peripheral blood vessels, vasoconstriction can occur through stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these substances, especially the alkaloids ephedra (ephedrine, ma huang, Phenylpropanolamine), can also cause the patient to experience hemorrhagic strikes and ischemic strokes. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or given with caution in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. This substance should not be used in patients with severe or severe coronary artery disease / uncontrolled hypertension.

Phenylpropanolamine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Symptoms of a Phenylpropanolamine overdose include extreme fatigue, sweating, dizziness, slow heartbeat, and coma.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.