From Dr D. N. John, MRPharmS
SIR,—The Committee on Safety of Medicines has issued a reminder stating that patients with high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism or heart disease or those receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors should not take products containing phenylpropanolamine (PJ, November 18, p748). Further, pharmacy staff should also be reminded that products containing phenylpropanolamine (and other sympathomimetics, eg, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine) should not be recommended for those who participate in competitive sports as these substances are prohibited by the International Olympic Committee. Brief details along with sources of further information and a list of other prohibited substances can be found in the chapter "Drugs and sport "in the current edition of the British National Formulary (no 40, September, 2000, p18).
D. N. John Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff