Phenylpropanolamine
Phenylpropanolamine extended-release tablets or capsules
What are phenylpropanolamine extended-release tablets or capsules?
PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE (Prolamine®, Phenyldrine®, Dexatrim®, Acutrim®) is a decongestant. It can help relieve nasal or sinus congestion (stuffiness). Combined with a reduced calorie diet, it can help you to lose weight by decreasing your appetite. Generic phenylpropanolamine extended-release tablets and capsules are available.
NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the United States.
What should my health care professional know before I take phenylpropanolamine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
blood vessel disease
diabetes
difficulty urinating (urinary retention)
glaucoma
heart disease or heart rhythm problems
high blood pressure
kidney disease
over active thyroid
prostate trouble
an unusual or allergic reaction to phenylpropanolamine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take phenylpropanolamine extended-release tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow whole with a drink of water; do not crush or chew. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Elderly patients over 60 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, and you are taking it on a regular schedule, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose (less than 2 hours), take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with phenylpropanolamine?
ammonium chloride
amphetamine or other stimulant drugs
bicarbonate, citrate, or acetate products (such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium lactate, and potassium citrate)
bromocriptine
caffeine
cocaine
furazolidone
indomethacin
linezolid
medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
medicines for diabetes
medicines known as MAO inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), and selegiline (Carbex®, Eldepryl®)
medicines for mental depression
medicines for migraine
procarbazine
some medicines for chest pain, heart disease, high blood pressure or heart rhythm problems
some medicines for weight loss (including some herbal products, ephedrine, dextroamphetamine)
St. John's wort
theophylline
thyroid hormones
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before starting or stopping any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking phenylpropanolamine?
If you are taking phenylpropanolamine for a cold, check with your prescriber or health care professional if your condition has not improved within 7 days, or if you have a high fever.
If nervousness, dizziness, sleeplessness, or palpitations occur, stop using phenylpropanolamine and consult a health care professional.
If phenylpropanolamine extended-release products make it difficult for you to sleep at night; take your last dose at least 12 hours before bedtime.
What side effects may I notice from taking phenylpropanolamine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or Uncommon:
chest pain
confusion
dizziness, or fainting spells
numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
rapid or troubled breathing
seizures (convulsions)
severe, persistent, or worsening headache
More Common:
anxiety
fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations
increased blood pressure
increased sweating
pain or difficulty passing urine
sleeplessness (insomnia)
tremor
vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
difficulty sleeping
dry mouth
headache (mild)
loss of appetite
nausea, stomach upset
restlessness or nervousness
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Most products should be stored below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Follow manufacturer's advice on storage of specific products. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Phenylpropanolamine tablets or capsules
What are phenylpropanolamine tablets or capsules?
PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE (Propagest®, Acutrim®, Dexatrim®, and others) is a decongestant. It can help relieve nasal or sinus congestion (stuffiness). Combined with a reduced calorie diet, it can help you to lose weight by decreasing your appetite. Generic phenylpropanolamine tablets and capsules are available.
NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the United States.
What should my health care professional know before I take phenylpropanolamine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
blood vessel disease
diabetes
difficulty urinating (urinary retention)
glaucoma
heart disease or heart rhythm problems
high blood pressure
kidney disease
over active thyroid
prostate trouble
an unusual or allergic reaction to phenylpropanolamine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take phenylpropanolamine tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Elderly patients over 60 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose (less than 2 hours), take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with phenylpropanolamine?
ammonium chloride
amphetamine or other stimulant drugs
bicarbonate, citrate, or acetate products (such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium lactate, and potassium citrate)
bromocriptine
caffeine
cocaine
furazolidone
indomethacin
linezolid
medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
medicines for diabetes
medicines known as MAO inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), and selegiline (Carbex®, Eldepryl®)
medicines for mental depression
medicines for migraine
procarbazine
some medicines for chest pain, heart disease, high blood pressure or heart rhythm problems
some medicines for weight loss (including some herbal products, ephedrine, dextroamphetamine)
St. John's wort
theophylline
thyroid hormones
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before starting or stopping any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking phenylpropanolamine?
If you are taking phenylpropanolamine for a cold, check with your prescriber or health care professional if your condition has not improved within 7 days, or if you have a high fever.
If nervousness, dizziness, sleeplessness, or palpitations occur, stop using phenylpropanolamine and consult a health care professional.
If phenylpropanolamine (regular-release product) makes it difficult for you to sleep at night; take the last dose of the day a few hours before bedtime.
What side effects may I notice from taking phenylpropanolamine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or Uncommon:
chest pain
confusion
dizziness, or fainting spells
numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
rapid or troubled breathing
seizures (convulsions)
severe, persistent, or worsening headache
More Common:
anxiety
fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations
increased blood pressure
increased sweating
pain or difficulty passing urine
sleeplessness (insomnia)
tremor
vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
difficulty sleeping
dry mouth
headache (mild)
loss of appetite
nausea, stomach upset
restlessness or nervousness
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Most products should be stored below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Follow manufacturer's advice on storage of specific products. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Updated:
March 21, 2017
Sources:
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert