Phenylpropanolamine
Phenylpropanolamine is a sympathomimetic decongestant that works by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and congestion. It was historically used to relieve nasal stuffiness from colds, allergies, and sinusitis, though it has been withdrawn from many markets due to safety concerns.
A nasal decongestant that shrinks nasal blood vessels to relieve congestion, now largely withdrawn from the market due to stroke risk.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R01BA01
- RxNorm
- 8175
- Generic
- Phenylpropanolamine
- Class
- atc-r01
- Brands
- Proin, Phenylpro, Uripropamine
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and blood pressure checks
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use close to delivery due to uterine contractions risk
regular fetal monitoring and uterine activity
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue or avoid
phenylpropanolamine is excreted in breast milk; avoid use while breastfeeding
monitor infant for irritability and feeding changes
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children under 12not recommended
avoid use in children due to increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events
not applicable - contraindicated
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly over 65use with caution and reduced dose
use with extreme caution in elderly patients; start at lowest effective dose
monitor blood pressure and heart rate regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildadjust dose downward
use with caution; monitor renal function
monitor renal function and blood pressure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate to severeavoid or significantly reduce dose
avoid use in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment
closely monitor renal function if use is absolutely necessary
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
milduse with caution
use with caution in mild hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeavoid
avoid use in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment
not applicable - avoid use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Alpha-adrenergic agonist used primarily as a vasoconstrictor
Common uses
Currently approved for canine urinary sphincter mechanism incontinence
Market status
Withdrawn in 2000 due to increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke
Historical human use
Previously used in cold medications and appetite suppressants
Treatment of nasal congestion associated with the common cold, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. Previously available in oral and nasal spray formulations.
Acts as an alpha-adrenergic agonist that causes vasoconstriction of the mucosal blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and mucus production to improve airflow.
Withdrawn from the US market and many other countries due to associated risk of hemorrhagic stroke, particularly in women. Can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Should not be used by patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or thyroid disorders. Other side effects include insomnia, anxiety, and headache.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy