Despec
Despec - General Information
Despec has been withdrawn in Canada. In November 2000, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory against the use of the drug.
Pharmacology of Despec
Despec (PPA), a sympathomimetic agent structurally similar to pseudoephedrine, is used to treat nasal congestion. Despec is found in appetite suppressant formulations and with guaifenesinin in cough-cold formulations. In 2000, the FDA requested that all drug companies discontinue marketing products containing phenylpropanolamine, due to an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke in women who used phenylpropanolamine.
Despec for patients
Description
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This medicine is used to treat nasal congestion caused by colds or hay fever. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine for
other conditions as well.
General Information
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This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in
this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your healthcare provider.
Proper use of this medicine
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For proper use of this medicine, follow the directions on the package, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. To use
a nose spray: gently blow your nose. Then sit back and tilt your head back slightly. Place the tip of the spray container
into the nose. Close off the other nostril with your other hand. Spray into the nose. Wait at least one minute in between
sprays. After using, rinse the tip of the sprayer in hot water and dry. This prevents contamination.
Missed Dose
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Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your
regular schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
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Follow package directions for proper storage. Keep away from heat, moisture or light.
Possible Side Effects
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Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:
stinging
burning
sneezing
increase in nasal discharge
If you experience other bothersome side effects, talk to your health care provider.
Some common side effects with this medicine include:
burning or stinging inside your nose
confusion
nervousness
headache
nausea
vomiting
Report any of the following to your doctor:
dizziness
or fainting spells
difficulty breathing
chest pain
rapid heart beat
increased sweating
tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
Warnings/Precautions
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Do NOT use more that the recommended dose of this medicine.
Do NOT use more of this medicine or longer than prescribed.
Using this medicine longer that 3-5 days can cause a condition known as "rebound congestion".
Overdose
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Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center
Drug Interactions
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This medicine can cause in increase in toxic effects to the heart when taken with other stimulants. Avoid taking with:
theophylline
digoxin
general anesthetics
atropine
MAO inhibitors.
Taking this medicine with the following herbs can cause increased side effects including high blood pressure and should be
avoided:
ephedra
yohimbe
This medicine can interact with the following drugs:
atropine
bromocriptine
diuretics (water pills)
linezolid
maprotiline
drugs used for depression
high blood pressure medications
drugs used for migraine headaches
oxytocin
vasopressin
For more information on specific drug interactions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Pregnancy/Nursing
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Talk to your doctor about using this medicine during pregnancy or nursing to discuss any possible risks to you or your baby.
More Information
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For more information about this medicine, talk to your healthcare provider.
Despec Interactions
Vasopressors, particularly metaraminol, may cause serious cardiac arrhythmias during halothane anesthesia and therefore should be used only with great caution or not at all.
MAO Inhibitors - The pressor effect of sympathomimetic pressor amines is markedly potentiated in patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI). Therefore, when initiating pressor therapy in these patients, the initial dose should be small and used with due caution. The pressor response of adrenergic agents may also be potentiated by tricyclic antidepressants.
Despec Contraindications
Phenylephrine hydrochloride should not be used in patients with severe hypertension, ventricular tachycardia, or in patients who are hypersensitive to it or to any of the components.
Additional information about Despec
Despec Indication: For the treatment of nasal congestion, control of urinary incontinence, priapism and obesity.
Mechanism Of Action: Despec acts directly on alpha- and, to a lesser degree, beta-adrenergic receptors in the mucosa of the respiratory tract. Stimulation of alpha-adrenergic receptors produces vasoconstriction, reduces tissue hyperemia, edema, and nasal congestion, and increases nasal airway patency. PPA indirectly stimulates beta-receptors, producing tachycardia and a positive inotropic effect.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Phenylpropanolamine
Synonyms: (+-)-Phenylpropanolamine; (+/-)-Norephedrin; PPA
Drug Category: Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; Appetite Depressants; Nasal Decongestants; Sympathomimetics
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved; Withdrawn
Other Brand Names containing Phenylpropanolamine: Acutrim; Ami-Tex; Codimal; Conex; Contuss; Despec; Dexatrim; Dura-Vent; Entex; Gentab; Guaipax; Myminic; Naldecon; Nolex; Partuss; Phenoxine; Phenyldrine; Phenylfenesin; Propagest; Rhindecon; Rhymed; Snaplets; Triaminic; ULR; Vanex;
Absorption: Reduced bioavailability (about 38%) from gastrointestinal tract because of first pass metabolism by monoamine oxidase in the stomach and liver.
Toxicity (Overdose): May induce ventricular extrasystoles and short paroxysms of ventricular tachycardia, a sensation of fullness in the head and tingling of the extremities; LD50=1490mg/kg (orally in rat)
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Hepatic
Half Life: 2.1 to 3.4 hours.
Dosage Forms of Despec: Not Available
Chemical IUPAC Name: (1S,2R)-2-amino-1-phenylpropan-1-ol
Chemical Formula: C9H13NO
Phenylpropanolamine on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenylpropanolamine
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals