Phenylpropanolamine, also known as PPA, has been an ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription cough and cold medications. However, beginning in November, 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration began issuing safety alerts regarding PPA. PPA works as a decongestant by constricting blood vessels, thus reducing swollen mucous membranes in the nose and sinuses. Both mild and serious side effects can be experienced by those using PPA, so the FDA has asked drug companies to discontinue including the ingredient in medications either as a decongestant or in over-the-counter weight-loss products.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Taking PPA can bring on hemorrhagic stroke as a side effect. Yale University School of Medicine scientists state that PPA slightly increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, which includes bleeding into the brain or the tissue around the brain. This risk of stroke was found in a small percentage of women and may occur in men as well. Because of the serious nature of hemorrhagic stroke, the report prompted the FDA to recommend consumers not use any products that contain PPA.
Dizziness
Dizziness is a common though less serious side effect of using PPA. Dizziness may affect driving or operating machinery. It may also be accompanied by headaches. If you experience dizziness or headaches, due to a prescribed medication containing PPA, it doesn't mean you should immediately stop the medication, according to Drugs.com. However, you should alert your prescribing physician concerning the side effect.
Birth Defects
Birth defects may be experienced as a side effect by fetuses due to pregnant mothers taking PPA. Because of the possibility of birth defects, the FDA has placed PPA as a category C drug, indicating it shouldn't be taken by pregnant mothers. When 1,489 pregnant mothers were known to use PPA in Michigan between 1980 and 1983, 128 birth defects resulted when only 91 were expected to result from that number of pregnancies. Drugs.com states an association with PPA may have caused the increased number birth defects.
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