Pharmacologic Substance
phenylpropanolamine
[ fen-l-proh-puh-nol-uh-meen, -min ]
Brand Names:
Proin
Effect:
Increased Urethra Smooth Muscle Tone
May Treat:
Common Cold; Obesity; Rhinitis; Urinary Incontinence
More Information:
ChemID; DrugBank; DailyMed; PDR
Definitions related to phenylpropanolamine:
  • A decongestant drug used to treat nasal congestion and sometimes mild incontinence.
    Harvard Dictionary of Health Terms
    Harvard Medical Publishing, 2011
  • A sympathomimetic that acts mainly by causing release of NOREPINEPHRINE but also has direct agonist activity at some adrenergic receptors. It is most commonly used as a nasal vasoconstrictor and an appetite depressant.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • An alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor agonist with sympathomimetic activity. Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) binds to and activates alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors in the mucosa of the respiratory tract resulting in vasoconstriction and reduction in swelling of nasal mucous membranes and reduction in tissue hyperemia, edema, and nasal congestion. This agent also stimulates the release of norepinephrine from its storage sites resulting in the effects already described. Finally, PPA indirectly stimulates beta-receptors producing tachycardia and a positive inotropic effect.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
Try this search on: Farlex, Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, or Wordnik

This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.