Phenylpropanolamine, which is also known as PPA, is a chemical that was used in hundreds of over the counter and prescription medications. PPA was often the active ingredient in diet drugs, nasal decongestants and cough medications. In 1990 U.S. consumers bought about 6 billion doses of medication that contained PPA. In November 2000, US regulators first moved to take Phenylpropanolamine off the market because of dangerous side effects that caused hemorrhagic strokes.

Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) was used in many popular over the counter medications. Dexatrim, Acutrim, Robitussin, Comtrex, Triaminic, and Tavist D are just a few brands that had products containing PPA. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it has asked all drug companies to voluntarily stop marketing products containing PPA and is seeking to make the sale of PPA products, both prescription and over-the-counter, illegal.

While research pointed to a higher risk of hemorrhagic strokes, or bleeding into the brain, for women, the FDA cautioned that men were also at risk. The strokes occurred within three days after people took the products.

To view a more comprehensive list of products containing Phenylpropanolamine (PPA), click here