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Phenylephrine - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Phenylephrine Medication Information

Learn everything you need to know about Phenylephrine-pronunciation, uses, dosage guidelines, indications, and when to take or avoid it.

Get up-to-date information on side effects, precautions, warnings, and proper storage to ensure safe usage.

Explore Phenylephrine brand names commonly used in India and internationally, along with detailed pricing information. Consult your healthcare provider for tailored medical advice.

Generic Name : Phenylephrine
Pronunciation : FEN-il-EF-rin
ICD Code : Y55.5 Therapeutic Classification : Decongestants

Brand Names or Trade Names of Phenylephrine

India :

International :


Deconsal CT , Histinex HC , Neo-Synephrine .

Why is Phenylephrine Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is a selective alpha agonist, used to increase blood pressure and topically as a nasal decongestant. It is also used in the eye to dilate the pupil or to constrict superficial blood vessels in eye allergy. It works by reducing swelling of the blood vessels in the nasal passages.

When should Phenylephrine not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with increased blood pressure, increase in heart rate, raised eye pressure. It should not be used with a MAO inhibitor.

What is the dosage of Phenylephrine?

The recommended dose is:
IM- 2 to 5 mg.
IV- 0.1 to 0.5mg by slow infusion.
PO- 5 to 10mg.
Nasal- Nasal congestion: As 0.25-1% solution: Instill/spray 4 hourly as needed.
Ophthalmic- Usually 0.12% solution: Instill 1-2 drops ≤4 times/day for ≤72 hour.

How should Phenylephrine be taken?

It comes as a tablet, a liquid, or a dissolving strip to take by mouth. It is also comes as eye drops and nasal solution, instilled over affected area.

What are the warnings and precautions for Phenylephrine?

•Do not give phenylephrine containing products to children younger than 4 years of age. It may cause serious side effects or cause of death in children.

• Do not use this medication for longer duration, it may cause rebound congestion in prolonged or excessive use of nasal or eye drops.

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of severe increase in thyroid hormone, severe heart disease, diabetes, prostate enlargement, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What are the side effects of Phenylephrine?

Skin- Hives, itching, rash, photosensitivity.
Heart- High blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm.
Central Nervous System - Tremor, irritability, sleeplessness, weakness, nervousness, headache.
EYE- Blurring of vision, stinging or burning sensation in the eye due to eye drops.
Respiratory - Tightness of the chest and wheezing, shortness of breath.

What are the other precautions for Phenylephrine?

Instill properly as directed by your physician.

What are the storage conditions for Phenylephrine?

Refer to the package insert. Some products are stored at room temperature whereas some are stored under refrigeration.

Phenylephrine : Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe to use Phenylephrine?

A: Phenylephrine is a safe and effective drug. But, it may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, sleepiness, and an allergic reaction in some patients (1 Trusted Source
Phenylephrine

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).

Q: Can the use of Phenylephrine cause dizziness?

A:  Phenylephrine can cause dizziness as a side effect in some patients. It is advised not to drive or use any heavy machinery while taking this medication (2 Trusted Source
Phenylephrine : Medlineplus

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).

Q: Is Phenylephrine available as a nasal spray?

A: Yes, phenylephrine nasal spray is available and is used to relieve nasal discomfort caused by colds and allergies. It is usually taken every 4 hours to relieve the symptoms. Phenylephrine nasal spray is intended only for use in the nose (3 Trusted Source
Phenylephrine Nasal Spray

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Q: How should Phenylephrine be taken?

A: Phenylephrine is available as a tablet, an oral solution, or a dissolving strip and is usually taken every 4 hours as needed (2 Trusted Source
Phenylephrine : Medlineplus

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). 

Q: Is Phenylephrine harmful to the heart?

A: Phenylephrine when taken orally has a minimal direct effect on heart rate. But, at higher doses, these medications can increase systolic and diastolic blood pressure and cause reflex bradycardia (4 Trusted Source
Phenylephrine : Sciencedirect

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).



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