The acute effect of phenylpropanolamine and brompheniramine on blood pressure in controlled hypertension: a randomized double-blind crossover trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine the acute effect of phenylpropanolamine, 75 mg, and brompheniramine, 12 mg, in combination (PPA/B) on blood pressure in patients with controlled hypertension, using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).

DESIGN

Randomized double-blind crossover trial.

SETTING

Outpatient clinic at one medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

13 healthy volunteers aged 36 to 64 years, receiving medication for hypertension.

INTERVENTIONS

Following 24-hour baseline ABPM, participants were randomized to receive either placebo or PPA/B every 12 hours for three doses, while ABPM continued. After a 24-hour washout period, all participants received the crossover regimen.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

No clinically important or statistically significant difference was noted for mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures during the baseline (125/75), PPA/B (127/72), and placebo (126/73) phases of the study. Within the first four hours of treatment, the mean change in systolic blood pressure from baseline between PPA/B and placebo phases was 1.7 mm Hg (95% CI -5.3 to 8.7), and mean change in diastolic blood pressure was 0.9 mm Hg (95% CI -1.6 to 3.5), excluding a first-dose pressor effect.

CONCLUSION

When used as recommended, PPA/B, a commonly used over-the-counter cold medication, has no significant acute effect on blood pressure in patients with controlled hypertension.