Should we avoid taking medicines containing phenylpropanolamine?

Q: The medicines for cold and cough like D'cold, Vicks action - 500, Coldarin, Nice and Nimulid contain phenylpropanolamine (PPA), which causes strokes and these tablets are banned in foreign countries. Is it true? Should we avoid these tablets?

A:Cough and cold medicines that contain phenylpropanolamine (PPA) were banned many years ago in advanced, Western countries such as United States, Britain, etc. They can cause haemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke. Hence products containing PPA should not be taken such as Vicks Action 500 and D'cold. Coldarin does not contain PPA. Nimulid and Nise contain nimesulide, which is either banned or not allowed to be sold in the West since it can damage the liver.