The Spanish health authorities have confirmed that as of October 2025, there is no active health alert regarding medications containing phenylpropanolamine. This clarification follows a circulation of misinformation suggesting that such medications pose a “risk of death.”
The origin of this concern dates back to a 2000 advisory issued by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. This advisory was prompted by a study indicating that high doses of phenylpropanolamine, used as an appetite suppressant for obesity treatment, might increase the risk of cerebral hemorrhage, particularly in young women. Consequently, these products were withdrawn from the Brazilian market.
In response to the 2000 alert, the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) adjusted the recommended daily dosage of phenylpropanolamine to 100 mg for adults to enhance the safety margin for these medications. However, in Spain, no medication containing phenylpropanolamine is authorized for appetite suppression. Instead, it is permitted only for the symptomatic treatment of cold and flu-related conditions, where it is used in low doses as an oral nasal decongestant.
Furthermore, in 2008, Spanish authorities dismissed the existence of a similar alert to the one in Brazil, labeling it as “misleading information.” Currently, only two medications featuring phenylpropanolamine are available in Spain, and their use remains safe when the instructions in their leaflets are followed.
For individuals currently using any medication containing phenylpropanolamine, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.
Concerns have resurfaced due to a viral WhatsApp message claiming that the FDA has identified fatal adverse effects linked to phenylpropanolamine, particularly highlighting its presence in numerous cold medications. This message urged users to stop taking these medications and to seek immediate medical advice. However, Spanish health authorities have reiterated that the previously mentioned warnings do not apply within the country as of now, assuring the public of the safety of approved medications under the stipulated conditions.
