Update on the use of PPA (Phenylpropanolamine)

On November 6, 2000 Health Canada issued a public warning regarding the use of PPA. This medication is commonly found in non-prescription cold remedies in Canada, as well as appetite suppressants in the United States. (Diet products in Canada do not contain PPA.)

The use of PPA (phenylpropanolamine) has been associated with hemmorhagic strokes in certain individuals. The risk of stroke is significantly higher if a patient is using other medications that affect the pharmacology of PPA (e.g. Parnate or Manerix), or in patients with elevated blood pressure or other risk factors (such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, family history of heart disease/stroke, smokers, active hypertension).

A sample of products in Canada that contain PPA include:

• Contac-C 12-hour capsules
• All Dimetapp products
• Coricidin-D
• Sine-Off
• Ornade

If you require medication to treat cold symptoms, please speak to your pharmacist if you have any concerns over the use of PPA. Two other decongestants are available for use, including Pseudoephedrine and Phenylephrine. To date, these medications have not been extensively studied for relative risk of hermmorhagic stroke.

Note: Patients with high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, or certain other health related problems should not consume any decongestants.

Further information can be viewed at Health Canada in English and French.

You may also read the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine