Phenylephrine

Generic name: Phenylephrine (oral)

Usage of Phenylephrine

Phenylephrine is a decongestant that is used to treat stuffy nose and sinus congestion caused by the common cold, hay fever, or other allergies.

Phenylephrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Phenylephrine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Phenylephrine may cause serious side effects. Stop using phenylephrine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat;
  • severe dizziness or nervousness;
  • sleep problems (insomnia); or
  • increased blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears.

    • Common side effects of phenylephrine may include:

  • flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
  • loss of appetite; or
  • feeling restless or excited (especially in children).

    • This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Before taking Phenylephrine

    Do not use phenylephrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

    You should not use phenylephrine if you are allergic to it.

    Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

  • heart disease, high blood pressure;
  • diabetes;
  • a thyroid disorder;
  • an enlarged prostate and urination problems; or
  • any drug allergies.

    • Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

    The liquid form of this medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

    How to use Phenylephrine

    Usual Adult Dose for Hypotension:

    Perioperative dosing (patients undergoing surgery with neuraxial or general anesthesia):Initial dose: 50 to 250 mcg by intravenous bolus (most common doses: 50 to 100 mcg)Maintenance dose: 0.5 to 1.4 mcg/kg/min by intravenous continuous infusion (titrate to blood pressure goal)Septic or Other Vasodilatory Shock:0.5 to 6 mcg/kg/min by intravenous continuous infusion (titrate to blood pressure goal)-No bolus-Doses over 6 mcg/kg/min do not show significant incremental blood pressure increases.

    Usual Adult Dose for Shock:

    Perioperative dosing (patients undergoing surgery with neuraxial or general anesthesia):Initial dose: 50 to 250 mcg by intravenous bolus (most common doses: 50 to 100 mcg)Maintenance dose: 0.5 to 1.4 mcg/kg/min by intravenous continuous infusion (titrate to blood pressure goal)Septic or Other Vasodilatory Shock:0.5 to 6 mcg/kg/min by intravenous continuous infusion (titrate to blood pressure goal)-No bolus-Doses over 6 mcg/kg/min do not show significant incremental blood pressure increases.

    Usual Adult Dose for Nasal Congestion:

    10 mg orally every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 60 mg per 24 hours

    Usual Pediatric Dose for Nasal Congestion:

    12 years and older: 10 mg orally every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 60 mg per 24 hours

    Warnings

    Do not use phenylephrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

    What other drugs will affect Phenylephrine

    Many drugs can affect phenylephrine, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

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