What is "phenylpropanolamine"

n. (context pharmaceutical drug English) An adrenergic drug use to relieve allergic reactions, to treat respiratory infections and to suppress the appetite.

n. an adrenergic drug used in many preparations to relieve allergic reactions or respiratory infections

Phenylpropanolamine ( BAN and INN; PPA, β- hydroxyamphetamine), also known as the stereoisomers (−)-norephedrine and norpseudoephedrine, is a psychoactive drug of the phenethylamine and amphetamine chemical classes which is used as a stimulant, decongestant, and anorectic agent. It is commonly used in prescription and over-the-counter cough and cold preparations. In veterinary medicine, it is used to control urinary incontinence in dogs under trade names Propalin and Proin.

In the United States, PPA is no longer sold due to a proposed increased risk of stroke in younger women. In a few countries in Europe, however, it is still available either by prescription or sometimes over-the-counter. In Canada, it was withdrawn from the market on 31 May 2001. In India human use of PPA and its formulations was banned on 10 February 2011, but the ban was overturned by the judiciary in September 2011.