Phenylpropanolamine or PPA and Strokes - Texas  attorneys representing Phenylpropanolamine or PPA victims suffering strokes related to diet and cold products containing phenylpropanolamine or ppa.  Dallas, Texas, Smoger Law Firm!   

PPA or phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient used in many over the counter products, is a decongestant to relieve stuffy nose or sinus congestion and is found in many popular diet medications.

On November 6, 2000, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a ban on the sale of phenylpropanolamine, commonly called "‘PPA,’" in products that are sold over the counter. Additionally, the agency requested that all drug companies discontinue marketing products containing PPA. The agency issued a public health advisory for phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride, the active ingredient in PPA. This chemical has been found in many over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription cold and cough medications, nasal decongestants and OTC appetite suppressant and weight loss products, such as Accutrim or Dexatrim. PPA been one of the most commonly used non-prescription medications in this country.

Although manufacturers insisted that PPA did not pose a health risk, the FDA continued its investigation of hemorrhagic strokes in young women. Products such as diet pills, cough suppressants, and cold medicines were sold over the counter that contained PPA. 

This compound, stimulating the sympathetic nervous system and causing the heart rate to increase, can present serious complications such as: seizures, strokes, and heart attack. Cerebral vasculitis, which is severe inflammation of blood vessels in the brain, in combination with the increase of blood pressure (associated with PPA) can result in hemorrhagic strokes.

The most common toxic effects of PPA is hypertension and headache. In combination with caffeine, ephedrine, or an antihistamine, it could cause a toxic reaction resulting in tachycardia or rapid heart rate. Its escalated risk of stroke increases with age and with the use of alcohol, smoking, and using blood-thinning medications.

The risk of  an average person using diet pills or treating a cold or flu with products that include PPA as an ingredient is minimal, according to FDA and Yale University researchers. However, it was noted that the hemorrhagic stokes related to PPA, although rare, have occurred mainly in young women. The FDA estimated out of 130 million people each year between the ages of 18-49, only 10,400 suffered a hemorrhagic stoke.

Please click here to read an article on PPA written by Dr. Smoger.

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