Phenylpropanolamine - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Phenylpropanolamine or phenylpropanolamine hcl is a drug to relieve nasal congestion due to flu, common cold, allergies, or sinus inflammation (sinusitis). Phenylpropanolamine can be found in combination with other drugs

Phenylpropanolamine is a decongestant drug that works by constricting blood vessels in the nasal cavity that were previously widened, so that the airways are more open and breathing becomes easier.

Keep in mind that this medicine can only relieve symptoms of nasal congestion and not to cure the disease that causes it.

Phenylpropanolamine trademark: Alpara, Dextrosin, Fluza, Fluza Day, Flutamol ,Nalgestan, Nodrof Flu Expectorant, Paraflu, Procold Flu, Sanaflu, Tuzalos, Ultraflu

What is Phenylpropanolamine

Class		OTC and prescription drugs
Categories		Decongestants
Benefits		Relieves symptoms of nasal congestion
Consumed by		Adults and children
Phenylpropanolamine for pregnant and lactating mothers		Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Phenylpropanolamine can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
Medicine form	Caplets, tablets and syrup

Warning Before Taking Phenylpropanolamine

Before taking phenylpropanolamine, you need to pay attention to the following things:

• Do not take phenylpropanolamine if you are allergic to this drug.
• Do not drive or do activities that require alertness while taking phenylpropanolamine treatment, as this drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
• Tell your doctor if you have hypertension, heart disease, arrhythmia, thyroid disease, intestinal obstruction, chronic constipation, diabetes, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, liver disease, or kidney disease.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, head injury, Addison's disease, asthma, sleep apnea, seizures, depression, or peptic ulcers.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken MAOI antidepressants in the last 14 days. Phenylpropanolamine should not be used by this patient.
• Phenylpropanolamine syrup products may contain artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, which should not be consumed by people with phenylketonuria.
• Do not give phenylpropanolamine to the elderly over the age of 60 without consulting a doctor first.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking phenylpropanolamine.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Phenylpropanolamine

The dose of phenylpropanolamine is different for each patient. The following is the distribution of phenylpropanolamine doses to treat nasal congestion:

Caplets or tablets

• Adult: 1–2 caplets/tablets, every 4 hours. The maximum dose is 4–8 caplets/tablets per day.
• Children aged 6–12 years: 1 caplet, every 4 hours. The maximum dose is 4 caplets per day.

Syrup 2.5 mg/5 ml

• Children aged 6 months–2 years: 2.5 ml, 3 times a day.
• Children aged 3–5 years: 5 ml, 3-4 times a day.
• Children aged 6–12 years: 5–10 ml, 3-4 times a day.

How to Take Phenylpropanolamine Correctly

Follow the doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before taking phenylpropanolamine. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.

Phenylpropanolamine caplets, tablets, or syrup should be taken after meals to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers. Take phenylpropanolamine caplets or tablets with a glass of water to swallow the medicine.

For phenylpropanolamine syrup, use the measuring spoon included in the package so that the dose consumed is correct.

Make sure there is enough time between one dose and the next. Try to take phenylpropanolamine at the same time every day for maximum treatment.

If you forget to use phenylpropanolamine, it is recommended to use it immediately if the break with the next schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.

Do not take phenylpropanolamine for more than 7 days. Visit a doctor if the symptoms accompanied by high fever have not subsided after 1 week.

Store phenylpropanolamine at room temperature, and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.

Interaction of Phenylpropanolamine and Other Drugs

The following are some of the effects of drug interactions that can occur when taking phenylpropanolamine with other drugs:

• Increased risk of developing fatal hypertension when used with bromocriptine, indomethacin, or MAOI drugs, such as isocarboxid, linezolid, or phenelzine
• Increased risk of psychosis if used with amantadine

Side Effects and Dangers of Phenylpropanolamine

Some of the side effects that may appear after taking phenylpherine are:

• Dizzy
• Mild headache
• Sleepy
• Dry mouth
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Excessive sweat
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Tremor

Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as:

• Heart palpitations, fast or irregular heartbeat
• Mental disturbances, mood swings, or hallucinations
• Difficulty urinating
• Seizure