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Phenylephrine

Generic name: phenylephrine (oral) [ FEN-il-EFF-rin ]
Brand names: Nasop12, Sudafed PE, Sudafed PE Children's Nasal Decongestant, Sudafed PE Congestion, Nasop, ... show all 24 brands
Dosage forms: intravenous solution (0.8 mg/10 mL; 0.8 mg/mL-NaCl 0.86%; 100 mcg/ml preservative-free; 40 mcg/mL), ... show all 4 dosage forms
Drug classes: Decongestants, Vasopressors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 29, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is 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:

Common side effects of phenylephrine may include:

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.

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.

Before taking this medicine

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:

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 should I take phenylephrine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cold medicine to a child.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Remove an orally disintegrating tablet from the package only when you are ready to take the medicine. Place the tablet in your mouth and allow it to dissolve, without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you have a fever, rash, or headaches.

If you need surgery, tell your surgeon if you are currently using phenylephrine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Phenylephrine dosing information

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 hours
Maximum dose: 60 mg per 24 hours

Usual Pediatric Dose for Nasal Congestion:

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

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since cold medicine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking phenylephrine?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

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.

Popular FAQ

Mucinex products do not help to prevent or treat the COVID-19 virus itself, but might help relieve some of the symptoms of COVID, like chest congestion, cough, or headache. Select a product that targets only the symptoms you have. Continue reading

The most important difference between phenylephrine (PE) and pseudoephedrine (PDE) is that PE is ineffective at relieving nasal congestion, whereas there is some evidence that oral PDE is effective. Continue reading

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.