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Overview

Phenylephrine

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Phenylephrine

Phenylephrine is used to gain temporary relief from stuffy nose, sinus, and ear symptoms caused by the allergies, common cold, flu, or other breathing illnesses such as sinusitis and bronchitis. This medication works by decreasing swelling in the nose and ears which makes breathing easier and lessens any discomfort.

This medicine is also used for the treatment of Treatment of hypotension, vascular failure in shock; as a vasoconstrictor in regional analgesia; symptomatic relief of nasal and nasopharyngeal mucosal congestion; as a mydriatic in ophthalmic procedures and treatment of wide-angle glaucoma; and supraventricular tachycardia.

Mild upset stomach, lightheadedness, seizures, mood changes, trouble sleeping, dizziness, shaking, headache, nervousness or fast and irregular heartbeat may occur as side effects to this medicine. It may also reduce blood flow to hands or feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. So you are advised to dress warmly and avoid tobacco use.

To ensure complete safety, before starting the medicine tell your doctor if you suffer from blood vessel problems, diabetes, overactive thyroid, high blood pressure, mood disorders, glaucoma, heart disease, seizure disorder, difficulty sleeping or trouble urinating. This medication is recommended for use in younger children.

The dosage is based on your age. Without your doctor’s approval, do not increase your dose or frequency of this medication. Improper use of this drug can cause you serious harm.

Do not use for more than 5 days in a row. Clear nose as much as possible before use. Tilt head back and instill recommended dose of drops or spray. Do not blow nose for 5-10 minutes. You may experience transient stinging or burning.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Phenylephrine

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Phenylephrine ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Phenylephrine ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Phenylephrine

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      This medicine may cause excessive drowsiness and calmness with alcohol.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This medicine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy.
      Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the foetus, however, there are limited human studies. The benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk. Please consult your doctor.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Consult prescriber if breast-feeding.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      Caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      Caution to be advised in patients with severe impaired renal function.
      contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment

    • Does this affect liver function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Phenylephrine

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Phenylephrine as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    The active constituent of this medication is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist belonging to the phenethylamine class, which acts as a nasal decongestant. It acts by reducing the ear and nose blood vessels swelling, thus provides relief from the discomfort.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Phenylephrine ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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      • Interaction with Medicine

        • Beta-blockers (nonselective ones) may increase hypertensive effect; avoid concurrent use.
        • Cocaine may cause malignant arrhythmias; avoid concurrent use.
        • Guanethidine can increase the pressor response; be aware of the patient's drug regimen.
        • Methyldopa can increase the pressor response; be aware of patient's drug regimen.
        • Phenytoin administration during a dopamine infusion may result in hypotension and possibly cardiac arrest; use cautiously.
        • Reserpine increases the pressor response; be aware of patient's drug regimen.
        • TCAs increase the pressor response; be aware of patient's drug regimen.
        • MAO inhibitors potentiate hypertension and hypertensive crisis; avoid concurrent use.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Use with caution in the elderly, patients with hyperthyroidism, bradycardia, partial heart block, myocardial disease, or severe CAD. Not a substitute for volume replacement. Avoid hypertension; monitor blood pressure closely and adjust infusion rate. Infuse into a large vein if possible. Watch I.V. site closely. Avoid extravasation. The elderly can be more sensitive to side effects from the nasal decongestant form. Rebound congestion can occur when the drug is discontinued after chronic use.

      FAQs about Phenylephrine

      • Ques : What is Phenylephrine?

        Ans : Phenylephrine is used to gain temporary relief from stuffy nose, sinus, and ear symptoms caused by the allergies, common cold, flu, or other breathing illnesses such as sinusitis and bronchitis.

      • Ques : What are the uses of Phenylephrine?

        Ans : The medicine is useful against the following conditions like Dry Cough, Hypotension and Glaucoma.

      • Ques : What are the side effects of this Phenylephrine?

        Ans : Mild upset stomach, lightheadedness, seizures, mood changes, trouble sleeping, dizziness, shaking, headache, nervousness or fast and irregular heartbeat may occur as side effects to this medicine.

      • Ques : How long do I need to use Phenylephrine before I see improvement in my condition?

        Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.

      • Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Phenylephrine?

        Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

      • Ques : Should I use Phenylephrine empty stomach, before food or after food?

        Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Phenylephrine?

        Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.

      • Ques : How is this Phenylephrine administered?

        Ans : This medication is administered subcutaneously.

      References

      • Phenylephrine-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/phenylephrine

      • Phenylephrine-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00388

      • PHENYLEPHRINE syrup,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=PHENYLEPHRINE

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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