Myocardial infarction associated with phenylpropanolamine.
Phenylpropanolamine is a sympathomimetic agent widely used in over-the-counter and prescription decongestant medications. We describe a young woman without cardiac risk factors who sustained myocardial infarction after unintentional overuse of a nasal decongestant containing phenylpropanolamine. The pathophysiology of myocardial injury and current management strategies as related to this agent are discussed. Although serious adverse reactions to phenylpropanolamine are uncommon, potentially serious harm may be caused by this widely available drug in healthy individuals.
Oosterbaan
R
R
Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
Burns
M J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D062787:Drug Overdose; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000506:poisoning*; D010665:Phenylpropanolamine / Q000506:poisoning*; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000506:poisoning*
D014663:Nasal Decongestants; D013566:Sympathomimetics; D010665:Phenylpropanolamine