Got the sniffles? Before you take the cold medicine that's been sitting in your medicine cabinet, stop and read the label carefully. If you see "phenylpropanolamine" in the list of ingredients, don't take it.

For years, phenylpropanolamine (PPA) was a common ingredient in over-the-counter cold products and some weight-loss products. But in 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked drug companies to stop using PPA in their products. In 2005, the FDA had drugs containing PPA pulled from pharmacy shelves.

PPA has not been used in over-the-counter medicines for a few years, so most people don't need to worry. Medicines that contained PPA have been reformulated and are now made with safer ingredients. But it pays to check the label of any cold or diet medicine you've had for a while.

What is PPA?
PPA is a decongestant. It has also been used as an appetite suppressant.

PPA is used in dogs to treat urinary incontinence. It seems to be safe for pets.

Why is PPA a problem?
PPA has been linked to a slight increase in hemorrhagic stroke, or bleeding into the brain. The risk was noted in women age 18 to 49, but men might also be at risk. The FDA estimated that PPA was involved in 200 to 500 cases of stroke a year before it was removed from the shelves.

PPA is no longer used in over-the-counter medicines. But it is still an ingredient in some prescription medicines.

How can I protect myself?
The following are good general drug safety tips:

• Be a careful consumer. Read drug labels, and follow the directions for use. If you aren't sure how to take a medicine, don't guess. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Don't use medicines that are out of date. If the expiration date is past, don't just flush it. Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of it.
• Use our Drug Guide. There, you can search on medicines to learn more, or you can click the Recalls and Alerts section to stay up to date on drug safety issues.
• Ask the experts. If you have questions about PPA or any other drugs, you can call the FDA toll free at 888-INFO FDA (888-463-6332).

Related Articles Avoid Cough and Cold Medicines for Children Younger than 4 Medication Safety: 12 Tips for Using Over-the-Counter Drugs Protecting Yourself From Drug Interactions Medication Safety: What You Need to Know

External Sources Institute for Safe Medication Practices. Throw away your old medicines safely.. Accessed October 01, 2008 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) information page.. Accessed October 01, 2008 Yoon BW, Bae HJ, Hong KS, Lee SM, et al. Phenylpropanolamine contained in cold remedies and risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Neurology. 2007;68(2):146-149.. Accessed October 01, 2008

This article was reviewed and updated 08-01-2009.