Starting August 1, 2003, phenylpropanolamine (PPA), also known as nor-ephedrine, will be an NCAA-banned substance. PPA was commonly found in over-the-counter or prescription cough and cold medications, as well as in weight-loss formulas.

In November 2000, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health warning and requested that all companies voluntarily remove products containing PPA from the market. The request was issued following a study that revealed an association between hemorrhagic stroke and PPA use in women. The FDA also noted that men might be at risk, too.

PPA is a sympathomimetic amine. Sympathomimetics are drugs that are chemically related to amphetamine and mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system. Any stimulant should be considered banned by the NCAA unless it is specifically exempt. Currently, PPA and pseudoephedrine are the only stimulants exempt from the NCAA ban. Pseudoephedrine will retain its non-banned status, but PPA will join ephedrine, its chemical cousin, as an NCAA-banned substance.

Stimulants are banned by the NCAA because of their performance-enhancing properties, as well as their potential to cause harm. Studies show that stimulants can enhance performance in both endurance and strength exercises, which comes with the risk of serious adverse effects ranging from nausea and tremors to even stroke and death.

While the FDA is taking measures to remove PPA from the market, the FDA has not recalled it. Athletes and training-room staff should also destroy old medications that contain PPA.

Student-athletes with questions regarding NCAA-banned substances should ask their athletic trainer or contact the Resource Exchange Center (REC) at www.drugfreesport.com/rec. Student-athletes should not look to sales people or dietary supplement manufacturers for information regarding banned substances. NCAA student-athletes who compete under the jurisdiction of other governing bodies such as the United States Olympic Committee also should contact those organizations for banned-drug information as banned-drug lists vary.