The generic names of common decongestants include phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, and in nasal sprays naphazoline, oxymetazoline, and xylometazoline.
Decongestants-A group of medications, such as pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, and phenylpropanolamine, that shrink blood vessels and consequently mucus membranes.
The chemical phenylpropanolamine which acts similarly to an amphetamine has been associated with severe side effects such as bleeding of the brain.
Appetite suppressants, including Dexatrim and Acutrim, usually contain a chemical called phenylpropanolamine (PPA).
For example, taking caffeine with the decongestant phenylpropanolamine can raise blood pressure.
