Phenylpropanolamine and stroke: the study, the FDA ruling, the implications

Cleve Clin J Med. 2001 Mar;68(3):208-9, 213-9, 223. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.68.3.208.

Abstract

Following a recent case-control study that linked the use of phenylpropanolamine (PPA) in diet aids to the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, the Food and Drug Administration requested that drug companies stop marketing products that contain PPA. Dozens of over-the-counter and prescription diet aids and cough and cold remedies will need to be reformulated or discontinued. This paper reviews the study and its implications for physicians.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / adverse effects*
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Appetite Depressants / adverse effects*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Drug Prescriptions
  • Ephedrine / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasal Decongestants / adverse effects*
  • Nonprescription Drugs
  • Odds Ratio
  • Phenylpropanolamine / adverse effects*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Stroke / chemically induced*
  • Sympathomimetics / adverse effects*
  • Time Factors
  • United States
  • United States Food and Drug Administration*

Substances

  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
  • Appetite Depressants
  • Nasal Decongestants
  • Nonprescription Drugs
  • Sympathomimetics
  • Phenylpropanolamine
  • Ephedrine