Norephedrine

Norephedrine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Norephedrine is a sympathomimetic agent that acts as a nonselective adrenergic receptor agonist and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It has been used as a decongestant and appetite suppressant. Currently, it is withdrawn from the market in Canada and the United States due to the risk for hemorrahgic strokes.

Norephedrine (PPA), a sympathomimetic agent structurally similar to pseudoephedrine, is used to treat nasal congestion. Norephedrine 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.

Norephedrine
Uses
Dosage
Side Effect
Precautions
Interactions
Uses during Pregnancy
Uses during Breastfeeding
Accute Overdose
Food Interaction
Half Life
Volume of Distribution
Clearance
Interaction With other Medicine
Contradiction
Storage

Trade Name	Norephedrine
Availability	Discontinued
Generic	Phenylpropanolamine
Phenylpropanolamine Other Names	Fenilpropanolamina, Norephedrine, Phenylpropanolamin, Phenylpropanolamina, Phénylpropanolamine, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenylpropanolaminum
Related Drugs	diphenhydramine, Benadryl, phentermine, epinephrine topical, chlorpheniramine, Victoza, pseudoephedrine, sodium chloride nasal, phenylephrine nasal, Saxenda
Type
Formula	C₉H₁₃NO
Weight	Average: 151.209 Monoisotopic: 151.099714043
Groups	Approved, Vet approved, Withdrawn
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer
Available Country
Last Updated:	September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am

Uses

Norephedrine is a sympathomimetic that was previously used in nasal decongestants and weight loss products, but has been withdrawn by the FDA due to safety risks and lack of efficacy.

For the treatment of nasal congestion, control of urinary incontinence, priapism and obesity.

Norephedrine is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Allergy-Induced Respiratory Symptoms, Bronchitis, Common Cold, Cough, Nasal Congestion, Rhinorrhoea, Excess mucus or phlegm

How Norephedrine works

Norephedrine 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.

Toxicity

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)

Food Interaction

Limit caffeine intake.
Take with or without food. The absorption is unaffected by food.

[Moderate] GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate the central nervous system and cardiovascular effects of centrally-acting appetite suppressants.

In one study, concurrent administration of methamphetamine (30 mg intravenously) and ethanol (1 gm

This increases cardiac work and myocardial oxygen consumption, which may lead to more adverse cardiovascular effects than either agent alone.

Subjective effects of ethanol were diminished in the eight study subjects, but those of methamphetamine were not affected.

The pharmacokinetics of methamphetamine were also unaffected except for a decrease in the apparent volume of distribution at steady state.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of centrally-acting appetite suppressants and alcohol should be avoided if possible, especially in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease.

Patients should be counselled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.