Pseudoephedrine methamphetamine manufacture from

Phenylpropanolamine (PPA). Until recently, PPA was widely available in a number of nonprescription cold medications and diet control products. Adverse effects are similar to those described for ephedrine. In response to an FDA warning of increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke, especially in women, PPA has been withdrawn from the market by most manufacturers. Before this withdrawal, PPA was another popular starting product for synthesis of S(-f-)-methamphetamine. PPA is also a metabolite of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. 

While the largest seizures of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are reported primarily in countries in North America and South-East Asia, where the problem of illicit manufacture of methamphetamine is well documented, the Board is concerned that, during 2004, seizure reports indicating use in illicit manufacture were received from all regions. As is shown in figure I, traffickers are currently using... 

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