According to a warning from the FDA released on March 25, the nasal decongestant propylhexedrine can cause major heart and mental health problems in anyone who misuses or abuses the drug. The agency warns that side effects include fast or abnormal heart rhythm, high blood pressure, and paranoia, potentially leading to hospitalization, permanent disability, or potentially death in serious cases. Meanwhile, Steven Pray, PhD, previously explained in a U.S. Pharmacy publication that a majority of topical nasal decongestants, such as oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, and naphazoline, carry a caution “against use by patients with heart disease and high blood pressure.” The warning stems from a chemical in the nasal sprays that could potentially be absorbed, leading to dangerous blood pressure levels. Propylhexedrine, which is often sold as an OTC nasal inhaler under the brand name Benzedrex, is normally used to relieve nasal congestion symptoms from hay fever, cold, and other common allergies. The FDA says the drug is perfectly safe when the proper dosage is taken, which is two sprays in each nostril no more than every two hours and not for more than three consecutive days. And for other important safety updates, check out If You’re Taking This Medication, the FDA Has a New Warning for You. The FDA warns that reports of people misusing and abusing propylhexedrine have increased dramatically in recent years. The agency reviewed 415 cases of abuse and 45 cases of misuse between Jan. 1, 2000, and Dec. 31, 2019.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb The agency says the most commonly reported side effects in these cases included “rapid heart rate, agitation, high blood pressure, chest pain, tremor, hallucinations, delusions, confusion, nausea, and vomiting.” Among the 460 cases, 21 had “severe outcomes” with potentially life-threatening side effects, including 13 resulting in intensive care admissions. The FDA warns the public to carefully follow the usage and dosage instructions found on the bottle’s Drug Facts label and never use propylhexedrine in any way other than inhalation. Since there is no specific reversal agent available to treat cases of acute intoxication, you should call 911 or poison control at 1-800-222-1222 if you experience any side effects, which include severe anxiety or agitation, confusion, hallucinations, or paranoia, rapid heartbeat, abnormal heart rhythm, and tightness or pain in your chest. And for more on using medicine the right way, check out If You Take This Common Medication to Sleep, Stop Now, New Study Says.
