Phenylpropanolamine
Phenylpropanalamine hydrochloride (PPA) is also known as norephedrine and oxyamphetamine. It is a psychoactive drug of the class phenethylamine and amphetamine chemically. It acts as a selective releasing agent of epinephrine and norepinephrine (NRA). It is also a dopamine releasing agent (DRA).
The indications to use Phenylpropanalamine PPA are to treat nasal congestion associated with common cold, allergies, hay fever, rhinitis and sinusitis. Phenylpropanolamine is used in dogs to treat urinary incontinence. It is available under the brand names Propalin and Prion. It is used to treat urinary incontinence as it increases the pressure of the urethra.
PPA is an oral drug. It should be taken orally as prescribed. There are generally lesser drug interactions. It should not be taken along with amphetamine, caffeine and methyl phenidate which are stimulant drugs. It should be avoided while taking MAO inhibitors like furazolidine, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine and selegiline. It should be taken with caution in pregnant women. It is also secreted in breast milk which may cause drowsiness in the nursing infant. So it is better to avoid PPA in nursing mothers.
PPA should be used with caution in conditions like kidney diseases, heart disease, hypertension, asthma, emphysema, diabetes, thyroid problems, and glaucoma and drug allergies. PPA hcl causes dizziness. So it is to be better avoided in alertness requiring activities like driving and works involving machineries. It is advisable to limit alcohol intake while taking PPA.
The side effects include dizziness, headache, nausea, dry mouth and restlessness. There is also a phenylpropalamine hoax that it is reported to cause stroke in some patients especially females. If the side effects worsen it is advised to discontinue the drug and seek medical attention immediately.