What is Nafarin A? Understanding the Combination Cold Medication

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Globally, millions of people experience symptoms from the common cold and allergies each year, and medications like Nafarin A are manufactured to manage them. What is Nafarin A? It is a brand of combination medicine used to relieve symptoms associated with colds, allergies, and flu, but it contains an ingredient, phenylpropanolamine, that has been flagged for safety concerns in some regions.

Quick Summary

Nafarin A is a combination drug for cold and allergy symptom relief, comprised of a decongestant, an antihistamine, and a pain reliever. The medication contains phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient with a complex history that led to its market withdrawal in some countries due to safety risks like an increased chance of hemorrhagic stroke.

Key Points

Combination Formula: Nafarin A is a combination medicine containing phenylpropanolamine (decongestant), chlorphenamine (antihistamine), and paracetamol (pain reliever/fever reducer).
Decongestant Action: The phenylpropanolamine in Nafarin A works by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages to relieve congestion.
Antihistamine Effect: Chlorphenamine blocks histamine receptors to alleviate allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.
Pain and Fever Relief: Paracetamol provides relief from pain and fever associated with colds and flu.
Regulatory History: Due to the risk of hemorrhagic stroke linked to phenylpropanolamine, the ingredient was withdrawn from many markets, including the U.S., but may still be present in products sold in other regions.
Potential Side Effects: Possible side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and, more seriously, an increased risk of elevated blood pressure and stroke, especially with phenylpropanolamine.
Contraindications: The medication is not suitable for everyone, particularly individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, or liver and kidney issues.
Drug Interactions: Nafarin A can have significant interactions with other drugs, including certain antidepressants, and should be used with caution.

What are the Active Ingredients in Nafarin A?

Nafarin A is a combination medication containing three active ingredients, each with a distinct therapeutic purpose. These components work together to provide relief from the various symptoms associated with respiratory illnesses and allergies. The combination formula typically includes:

Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) HCl: A sympathomimetic agent that serves as a nasal decongestant by causing blood vessels in the respiratory tract to constrict. This action reduces inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, allowing for easier breathing. It is also known to have appetite-suppressant properties.
Chlorphenamine maleate: An antihistamine that works by blocking the action of histamine, a natural substance in the body that produces allergic symptoms. Its effect helps to relieve runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes.
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen): A widely used analgesic and antipyretic. It works to reduce fever and relieve pain by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins in the central nervous system, which are chemicals that cause inflammation and pain.

Mechanism of Action for Each Component

Each component in Nafarin A has a specific mechanism to address different symptoms:

Phenylpropanolamine (PPA): This decongestant acts by stimulating alpha- and, to a lesser extent, beta-adrenergic receptors. This stimulation leads to vasoconstriction in the nasal mucosa, shrinking swollen tissues and increasing the patency of the nasal airways.
Chlorphenamine maleate: As an antihistamine, it competitively blocks H1-histamine receptors, which prevents histamine from causing its typical allergic effects like increased vascular permeability, itching, and mucus secretion.
Paracetamol: This pain reliever and fever reducer works predominantly in the central nervous system to inhibit the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, particularly COX-2. This action blocks the formation of prostaglandins, which are responsible for pain and fever signals.

Medical Uses and Indications

Nafarin A is indicated for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with various respiratory tract infections and allergies. It is commonly used for:

Common colds and flu
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Sinusitis

Specifically, it targets the following symptoms:

Clogged or stuffy nose
Runny nose and sneezing
Itchy and watery eyes
Postnasal drip
Headache and body aches
Fever

Safety Warnings and Regulatory Action

It is crucial to understand the safety profile of Nafarin A, particularly regarding its phenylpropanolamine (PPA) content. In 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory recommending that all drug companies discontinue marketing products containing PPA due to an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or surrounding tissue). While the absolute risk is low, the potential for serious harm led to the widespread withdrawal of PPA-containing products in the United States and Canada. This history is important to consider, as Nafarin A may still be available in other regions, such as the Philippines, where local regulations differ.

Patients with certain pre-existing conditions are advised to use extreme caution or avoid Nafarin A altogether, as it can be contraindicated for those with high blood pressure, severe heart disease, anemia, kidney or liver disease, glaucoma, diabetes, and an overactive thyroid gland. Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also not take this medication without consulting a doctor.

Potential Side Effects and Interactions

Nafarin A can cause a range of side effects, including common and more serious ones.

Common Side Effects:

Drowsiness, dizziness, or insomnia
Dry mouth, nose, and throat
Nausea or constipation
Blurred vision

Serious Adverse Reactions (particularly from PPA):

Hypertensive reactions, including a sudden, severe increase in blood pressure
Increased heart rate (tachycardia) or irregular heartbeat
Anxiety, confusion, or severe headache
Seizures
Risk of hemorrhagic stroke

Drug Interactions: Nafarin A can interact with other medications and substances. For example:

Other Cold Medications: Concurrent use with other drugs containing PPA, chlorphenamine, or paracetamol can increase the risk of an overdose.
MAOIs and Tricyclic Antidepressants: Using Nafarin A with these medications can lead to a hypertensive crisis.
Warfarin: Paracetamol can increase the blood-thinning effect of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Alcohol: Daily alcohol use can increase the risk of liver damage from paracetamol.

Comparison of Nafarin A's Components

To better understand how Nafarin A works, comparing the mechanisms of its active ingredients is useful.


Feature	Phenylpropanolamine HCl	Chlorphenamine maleate	Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
Drug Class	Sympathomimetic (Decongestant)	Antihistamine	Analgesic / Antipyretic
Primary Function	Nasal decongestion	Relieves allergy symptoms	Pain relief and fever reduction
Targeted Symptoms	Clogged nose, sinus congestion	Runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes	Headache, body aches, fever
Mechanism	Stimulates adrenergic receptors, causing vasoconstriction	Blocks histamine H1 receptors	Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the CNS
Key Risks	Hemorrhagic stroke, cardiovascular effects	Drowsiness, sedation	Liver damage (especially with overdose)

Conclusion

What is Nafarin A? It is a combination cold and allergy medication containing phenylpropanolamine (a decongestant), chlorphenamine (an antihistamine), and paracetamol (a pain reliever and fever reducer). While effective for a range of symptoms, its safety profile is complicated by the presence of phenylpropanolamine, which has been associated with serious cardiovascular risks, including hemorrhagic stroke. This led to the ingredient's withdrawal in the U.S. and other countries, though the drug may still be available in some regions under local regulatory approval. Before using Nafarin A, it is essential to be aware of the potential side effects, contraindications, and regulatory status in your area. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine if this medication is appropriate for your specific health needs.

For more information on the FDA's advisory regarding phenylpropanolamine, you can refer to the official public health advisory from 2000.

Further Considerations for Use

Given the complexity of combination medications, particularly those with a regulatory history like Nafarin A, patients should always prioritize safety through proper medical consultation. This is especially true for vulnerable populations such as children and individuals with chronic health conditions like hypertension or liver disease. Understanding the individual components and their specific actions allows for a more informed discussion with a doctor, ensuring that the chosen treatment plan for cold or allergy symptoms is both safe and effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nafarin A is designed to provide relief from multiple symptoms associated with the common cold, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and the flu, including clogged nose, runny nose, sneezing, headache, body aches, and fever.

In 2000, the FDA advised against the use of products containing phenylpropanolamine due to an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke, particularly in women. While the overall risk is considered low, it led to the withdrawal of the ingredient from the market in many countries.

No, because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an advisory for companies to stop selling products containing phenylpropanolamine, a key ingredient in Nafarin A. Phenylpropanolamine-based products have been largely withdrawn from the U.S. market.

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision. More serious risks, particularly related to the phenylpropanolamine component, include high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, confusion, and a low risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

Individuals with high blood pressure, severe heart disease, anemia, kidney or liver disease, glaucoma, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid gland should not take Nafarin A unless a doctor recommends it. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

The antihistamine component, chlorphenamine maleate, works by blocking the effects of histamine in the body. This action helps to control and reduce symptoms of allergy like a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.

If a dose is missed, take it when remembered. Do not take a double dose to compensate. Adhere to the recommended interval between doses, which can vary based on the product and age group.

Overdose can cause serious symptoms related to each active ingredient, including tachycardia and high blood pressure from phenylpropanolamine, prolonged drowsiness and seizures from chlorphenamine, and severe, potentially fatal liver damage from paracetamol.

The safety and appropriate use of Nafarin A for children should always be determined by a healthcare professional. Due to its ingredients, especially phenylpropanolamine, it may not be suitable for certain age groups or those with specific health conditions.

Nafarin A can interact with various medications, including other cold remedies, certain antidepressants, and blood thinners like warfarin. It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking to avoid harmful interactions.