Adverse effects of some anti-cold preparation

ABSTRACT

Our study included 14 patients admitted to Bachmai hospital because of headache and hypertension after taking anti-cold preparations (Rhumenol Decolgen, Decolsin, and Medicoldac) from 3/2002 to 6/2002. These patients had no history of hypertension and took antiflu tablets according to instruction of manufacturers. On admission, all patients had hypertension with the maximum BP 190/120mmHg. The first-degree atrioventricular block was observed in 1 case. The adverse effects may be caused by overdose of phenylpropanolamine, a sympathomimetic agent. Our study is a warning of dangerous reality of broadly advertising, marketing and abusing drugs. The manufacturers should consider the amount of Phenylpropanolamine in anti-cold preparations to avoid the adverse effect.