Phenylpropanolamine in drugs could be a risk for stroke

A five year study by Yale University, Connecticut, has found a small, but significant risk of haemorrhagic stroke in women taking non-prescription cough and cold medicines, appetite suppressants, and some prescription decongestants containing phenylpropanolamine (PPA).

After hearing the evidence presented by the researchers-who were headed by Dr Walter Kernan, an associate professor of medicine at Yale-an advisory 14 member panel of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted overwhelmingly to ban phenylpropanolamine in non-prescription decongestants and appetite suppressants.

"It did not meet the burden of proof for safety,"...