Q: I recently read in an article that phenylpropanolamine (PPA) is not good for health and has been banned in many western countries. But in India, it is freely available as an over-the-counter drug (Vicks Action 500 and D Cold, etc.) for cough and cold. I have been using it regularly for treating cough and cold. If the report is indeed true then which drug is safe and can be taken to treat this common problem?

A:Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) due to the risk of haemorrhagic stroke has been virtually banned in all advanced countries. For cold, cough and congestion you can use Sinarest available as tablets, syrup etc. It does not contain PPA but a far safer decongestant called phenylephrine, which is used in all advanced countries.