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Phenylpropanolamine

Prescription
Alpha-adrenergic agonist / Sympathomimetic
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
2 documented
Formulations
4

Mechanism of action

Stimulates alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the urethral smooth muscle, increasing urethral sphincter tone and improving urinary continence; also has mild beta-adrenergic activity

At a glance

Class
Alpha-adrenergic agonist / Sympathomimetic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Below 25°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (urinary incontinence)
Dose
1–2 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID to TID
Max dose
75 mg/dose; 225 mg/day
Duration: Long-term / lifelong
🐈

Cat

Urinary incontinence (less common)
Dose
1–1.5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID to TID
Max dose
12.5 mg/dose; 37.5 mg/day
Duration: Long-term as needed
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Chewable tablet — 3

Strength
25mg
Strength
50mg
Strength
75mg
🧴

Oral syrup — 1

Strength
40mg/mL

Storage

Below 25°C

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Uncontrolled hypertension
    Sympathomimetic effect raises blood pressure

Use with caution

  • Cardiac disease, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism
    May potentiate sympathomimetic effects

Adverse effects

Common
Restlessness
Decreased appetite
Mild hypertension
Serious
Severe hypertension
Tachycardia
Stroke (rare in dogs)

Monitoring parameters

Blood pressureHeart rateContinence statusAppetite
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Selegiline (L-Deprenyl)
contraindicated
PPA releases norepinephrine + MAO inhibitor prevents catecholamine breakdown: hypertensive crisis.
Management: NEVER combine. Use alternative urinary incontinence therapy (estriol, DES) with selegiline.

Moderate — 1

Atenolol
moderate
PPA (alpha/beta agonist) + beta-blocker: unopposed alpha vasoconstriction. Blood pressure elevation.
Management: Monitor blood pressure closely when combining. Use lowest effective PPA dose.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Brands

International

Proin
PRN Pharmacal
Propalin
Vetoquinol

India

PPA Syrup (compounded)
Various

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Phenylpropanolamine?
Phenylpropanolamine is a alpha-adrenergic agonist / sympathomimetic used in pets. Stimulates alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the urethral smooth muscle, increasing urethral sphincter tone and improving urinary continence; also has mild beta-adrenergic activity
What is Phenylpropanolamine used for in pets?
Phenylpropanolamine is used in veterinary medicine for: Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (urinary incontinence); Urinary incontinence (less common).
What is the Phenylpropanolamine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Phenylpropanolamine is typically dosed as follows — Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (urinary incontinence): 1–2 mg/kg PO BID to TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Phenylpropanolamine dose for cats?
For cats, Phenylpropanolamine is typically dosed as follows — Urinary incontinence (less common): 1–1.5 mg/kg PO BID to TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What are the side effects of Phenylpropanolamine?
Common: Restlessness, Decreased appetite, Mild hypertension. Serious (call your vet immediately): Severe hypertension, Tachycardia, Stroke (rare in dogs).
Does Phenylpropanolamine need a prescription?
Yes. Phenylpropanolamine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
When should Phenylpropanolamine not be used?
Do not use Phenylpropanolamine if: Uncontrolled hypertension.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database
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