Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2019.

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Pronunciation

(fen il EF rin)

Index Terms

• Phenylephrine HCl
• Phenylephrine Hydrochloride

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Liquid, Oral, as hydrochloride:

Little Colds Decongestant: 2.5 mg/mL (30 mL) [alcohol free, dye free, saccharin free; contains sodium benzoate; grape flavor]

Solution, Injection, as hydrochloride:

Generic: 10 mg/mL (5 mL [DSC], 10 mL [DSC])

Solution, Intravenous, as hydrochloride:

Vazculep: 10 mg/mL (1 mL, 5 mL, 10 mL) [contains sodium metabisulfite]

Generic: 10 mg/mL (1 mL, 5 mL, 10 mL)

Solution, Intravenous, as hydrochloride [preservative free]:

Generic: 10 mg/mL (1 mL, 5 mL, 10 mL)

Solution, Oral, as hydrochloride:

Sudafed PE Childrens: 2.5 mg/5 mL (118 mL) [alcohol free, sugar free; contains edetate disodium, fd&c red #40, sodium benzoate; berry flavor]

Tablet, Oral, as hydrochloride:

Medi-Phenyl: 5 mg [DSC] [pseudoephedrine free; contains fd&c red #40, fd&c yellow #6 (sunset yellow)]

Nasal Decongestant: 10 mg [contains fd&c blue #2 (indigotine), fd&c red #40, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]

Non-Pseudo Sinus Decongestant: 10 mg [contains fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]

Sudafed PE Congestion: 10 mg [contains fd&c red #40 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]

Sudogest PE: 10 mg [contains fd&c red #40]

Sudogest PE: 10 mg [gluten free; contains fd&c red #40 aluminum lake]

Brand Names: U.S.

• Little Colds Decongestant [OTC]
• Medi-Phenyl [OTC] [DSC]
• Nasal Decongestant [OTC]
• Non-Pseudo Sinus Decongestant [OTC]
• Sudafed PE Childrens [OTC]
• Sudafed PE Congestion [OTC]
• Sudogest PE [OTC]
• Vazculep

Pharmacologic Category

• Alpha-Adrenergic Agonist

Pharmacology

Potent, direct-acting alpha-adrenergic agonist with virtually no beta-adrenergic activity; produces systemic arterial vasoconstriction. Such increases in systemic vascular resistance may result in dose-dependent increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and reductions in heart rate and cardiac output (most noticeable in patients with preexisting cardiac dysfunction).

Absorption

Oral: Erratic and incomplete (Kanfer 1993)

Distribution

V_d: Initial: 26 to 61 L; V_dss: 184 to 543 L (mean: 340 L) (Hengstmann 1982)

Metabolism

Hepatic via oxidative deamination (Oral: 24%; IV: 50%); Undergoes sulfation (Oral [mostly within gut wall]: 46%; IV: 8%) and some glucuronidation; forms inactive metabolites (Kanfer 1993)

Excretion

Urine (mostly as inactive metabolites)

Onset of Action

Blood pressure increase/vasoconstriction: IM, SubQ: 10 to 15 minutes; IV: Immediate

Nasal decongestant: Oral: 15 to 30 minutes (Kollar 2007)

Time to Peak

Oral: 0.75 to 2 hours (Kanfer 1993)

Duration of Action

Blood pressure increase/vasoconstriction: IM: 1 to 2 hours; IV: ~15 to 20 minutes; SubQ: 50 minutes

Nasal decongestant: Oral: ≤4 hours (Kollar 2007)

Half-Life Elimination

Alpha phase: ~ 5 minutes; Terminal phase: 2 to 3 hours (Hengstmann 1982; Kanfer 1993)

Use: Labeled Indications

Hypotension/shock: Treatment of hypotension, vascular failure in shock. Note: Not recommended for routine use in the treatment of septic shock; use should be limited until more evidence demonstrating positive clinical outcomes becomes available (Rhodes 2017).

Guideline recommendations:

Cardiogenic shock: The 2017 American Heart Association (AHA) scientific statement for the Contemporary Management of Cardiogenic Shock recommends phenylephrine, if needed, be considered for initial vasoactive management of cardiogenic shock due to aortic stenosis, mitral stenosis, or dynamic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction (AHA [van Diepen 2017]).

Hypotension during anesthesia: As a vasoconstrictor in regional analgesia

Nasal congestion: As a decongestant [OTC]

Off Label Uses

Hypotension in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Phenylephrine is a pure alpha1 agonist that will increase systemic vascular resistance without increasing heart rate or contractility. This is advantageous in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hypotension since increases in both heart rate and contractility may cause the obstruction to worsen, leading to a decrease in cardiac output. Other vasopressors like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine may increase contractility and/or heart rate ^{[Hensley 2015]}, ^{[Nishimura 2004]}.

Based on the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, the use of phenylephrine is recommended for patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who develop acute hypotension unresponsive to fluid administration.

Priapism (ischemic)

Data from an open-label nonrandomized study supports the use of phenylephrine in the treatment of ischemic priapism ^{[Dittrich 1991]}. Higher doses have been employed with continuous cardiovascular monitoring for patients who have not responded to usual dosing; however, this dosing cannot be recommended as routine ^{[Munarriz 2006]}. Additional trials may be necessary to further define the role of phenylephrine in this condition.

Based on the American Urological Association guidelines for the management of priapism, due to the low risk of cardiovascular side effects intracavernous injection of phenylephrine is recommended for ischemic priapism that persists following aspiration/irrigation.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to phenylephrine or any component of the formulation

Injection: Severe hypertension; ventricular tachycardia

Vazculep: There are no contraindications listed in the manufacturer's labeling.

OTC labeling (Oral): When used for self-medication: Use with or within 14 days of MAO inhibitor therapy

Dosing: Adult

Hypotension/shock: Note: The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) does not recommend phenylephrine for septic shock except in the following circumstances: When norepinephrine (preferred first-line agent) is associated with serious arrhythmias, when cardiac output is known to be high and blood pressure persistently low, or when the combination of inotrope/vasopressor and low-dose vasopressin failed to achieve target mean arterial pressure and phenylephrine is used as salvage therapy (Rhodes 2017).

IV bolus: 100 to 500 mcg/dose every 10 to 15 minutes as needed (initial dose should not exceed 500 mcg)

IV infusion: Initial dose: 100 to 180 mcg/minute, or alternatively, 0.5 mcg/kg/minute; titrate to desired response. Dosing ranges between 0.4 to 9.1 mcg/kg/minute have been reported when treating septic shock (Gregory 1991).

ACLS guideline recommendations (to treat severe hypotension [eg, systolic blood pressure <70 mm Hg] and low total peripheral resistance): Cardiogenic shock (off label dose): 0.1 to 10 mcg/kg/minute (AHA [van Diepen 2017]). Initial dose: 0.5 to 2 mcg/kg/minute; titrate to effect (AHA [Peberdy 2010]).

Cardiogenic shock (off-label dose): Note: For initial vasoactive management of cardiogenic shock due to aortic stenosis, mitral stenosis, or dynamic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction:0.1 to 10 mcg/kg/minute (AHA [van Diepen 2017])

Hypotension during anesthesia:

IV bolus: 40 to 100 mcg/dose every 1 to 2 minutes as needed (total dose should not exceed 200 mcg)

IV infusion: Initial dose: 10 to 35 mcg/minute adjusted according to blood pressure goal (not to exceed 200 mcg/minute)

Nasal congestion: Oral: OTC labeling: 10 mg every 4 hours as needed for ≤7 days (maximum: 60 mg/24 hours)

Priapism (ischemic) (off-label use): Intracavernous (off-label route): 100 to 500 mcg every 3 to 5 minutes (using a concentration of 100 to 500 mcg/mL) over the course of ~1 hour; lower concentrations in smaller volumes should be used in patients with severe cardiovascular disease (AUA [Montague 2003]).

Dosing: Geriatric

Refer to adult dosing.

Dosing: Pediatric

Note: Dosing presented in both mg (oral) and mcg (parenteral); use caution when ordering and dispensing.

Nasal congestion: Oral:

Children 4 to 5 years: 2.5 mg every 4 hours; maximum daily dose: 15 mg in 24 hours

Children 6 to 11 years: 5 mg every 4 hours; maximum daily dose: 30 mg in 24 hours

Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: 10 mg every 4 hours; maximum daily dose: 60 mg in 24 hours

Hypotension, low cardiac output: Infants, Children, and Adolescents:

IM, SubQ: 100 mcg/kg/dose every 1 to 2 hours as needed; maximum dose: 5000 mcg

IV bolus: 5 to 20 mcg/kg/dose every 10 to 15 minutes as needed (AAP, 1998; Shaddy, 1989); initial dose should not exceed 500 mcg; maximum dose: 1000 mcg

Continuous IV infusion: Usual initial dose: 0.1 to 0.5 mcg/kg/minute; titrate to desired response (Di Gennaro, 2010; Stewart, 2002; Wessel, 2001); in cases of shock or intraoperative hypotension, doses up to 2 mcg/kg/minute have been reported (Di Gennaro, 2010; Kliegman, 2011; Shaddy, 1989; Stewart, 2002) and for management of infundibular spasm (Tet Spell), even higher doses up to 5 mcg/kg/minute may be required (AAP, 1998; Shaddy, 1989)

Hypotension during spinal anesthesia: IM, SubQ: Infants, Children, and Adolescents: 44 to 88 mcg/kg/dose; maximum dose: 500 mcg

Reconstitution

Solution for injection:

IV infusion: May dilute 10 mg in 500 mL NS or D5W (Vazculep preferred dilution). May also dilute 50 mg in 500 mL NS, 100 mg in 500 mL NS, or 1250 mg in 500 mL NS (Gupta 2004; Weber 1970).

IV injection: May dilute with NS to a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL (Kiser 2007). May also dilute with SWFI, NS, or D5W to a higher concentration of 1 mg/mL. Note: For bolus administration, Vazculep prescribing information recommends dilution to the lower concentration of 0.1 mg/mL solution in NS or D5W.

Intracavernous injection (off-label route): Dilute with NS to a concentration of 0.1 to 0.5 mg/mL; lower concentrations should be used for patients with severe cardiovascular disease (AUA [Montague 2003])

Administration

IV:

Hypotension/shock: May be administered as an intermittent IV bolus over 20 to 30 seconds or via continuous infusion (after diluting). When administering as a continuous infusion, central line administration is preferred. IV infusions require an infusion pump.

Hypotension during anesthesia: Administer as an IV bolus over 20 to 30 seconds.

Vesicant; ensure proper needle or catheter placement prior to and during infusion; avoid extravasation.

Extravasation management: If extravasation occurs, stop infusion immediately and disconnect (leave cannula/needle in place); gently aspirate extravasated solution (do NOT flush the line); remove needle/cannula; elevate extremity. Initiate phentolamine (or alternative antidote). Apply dry warm compresses (Hurst 2004; Reynolds 2014).

Phentolamine: Dilute 5 to 10 mg in 10 to 20 mL NS and administer into extravasation site as soon as possible after extravasation; may readminister if patient remains symptomatic (Reynolds 2014).

Alternative to phentolamine: Nitroglycerin topical 2% ointment (based on limited data): Apply a 1-inch strip to the site of ischemia; may repeat every 8 hours as necessary (Reynolds 2014).

Dietary Considerations

Some products may contain phenylalanine and/or sodium.

Storage

Solution for injection: Store vials at controlled room temperature of 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Protect from light. Do not use solution if brown or contains a precipitate.

IV infusion: Concentrations of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL in NS are stable for at least 14 days at room temperature of 25°C (77°F) (Gupta 2004). Dilution of 2.5 mg/mL in NS retained potency for at least 24 hours at 22°C (Weber 1970). Vazculep: Do not hold diluted solutions for longer than 4 hours at room temperature or 24 hours refrigerated.

Stability in syringes: Concentration of 0.1 mg/mL in NS (polypropylene syringes) is stable for at least 30 days at -20°C (-4°F), 3°C to 5°C (37°F to 41°F), or 23°C to 25°C (73.4°F to 77°F) (Kiser 2007). Vazculep: Do not hold diluted solutions for longer than 4 hours at room temperature or 24 hours refrigerated.

Oral: Store at controlled room temperature of 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Protect from light.

Drug Interactions

Acetaminophen: May increase the serum concentration of Phenylephrine (Systemic). Monitor therapy

Alpha1-Blockers: May diminish the vasoconstricting effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Similarly, Alpha1-Agonists may antagonize Alpha1-Blocker vasodilation. Monitor therapy

AtoMOXetine: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. AtoMOXetine may enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy

Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine: Alpha1-Agonists may diminish the diagnostic effect of Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine. Management: Consider use of a histamine skin test as a positive control to assess a patient's ability to mount a wheal and flare response. Consider therapy modification

Cannabinoid-Containing Products: May enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Exceptions: Cannabidiol. Monitor therapy

Chloroprocaine: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Phenylephrine (Systemic). Monitor therapy

CloZAPine: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Phenylephrine (Systemic). Monitor therapy

Cocaine (Topical): May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Management: Consider alternatives to use of this combination when possible. Monitor closely for substantially increased blood pressure or heart rate and for any evidence of myocardial ischemia with concurrent use. Consider therapy modification

Doxofylline: Sympathomimetics may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Doxofylline. Monitor therapy

Ergot Derivatives: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Ergot Derivatives may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Exceptions: Ergoloid Mesylates; Nicergoline. Avoid combination

FentaNYL: Alpha1-Agonists may decrease the serum concentration of FentaNYL. Specifically, fentanyl nasal spray serum concentrations may decrease and onset of effect may be delayed. Monitor therapy

Guanethidine: May enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Sympathomimetics. Guanethidine may enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy

Hyaluronidase: May enhance the vasoconstricting effect of Phenylephrine (Systemic). Management: Avoid the use of hyaluronidase to enhance dispersion or absorption of phenylephrine. Use of hyaluronidase for other purposes in patients receiving phenylephrine may be considered as clinically indicated. Avoid combination

Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products: Alpha1-Agonists may diminish the therapeutic effect of Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products. Management: Discontinue all drugs that may inhibit or interfere with catecholamine transport or uptake for at least 5 biological half-lives before iobenguane administration. Do not administer these drugs until at least 7 days after each iobenguane dose. Avoid combination

Ioflupane I 123: Phenylephrine (Systemic) may diminish the diagnostic effect of Ioflupane I 123. Monitor therapy

Linezolid: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Management: Reduce initial doses of sympathomimetic agents, and closely monitor for enhanced pressor response, in patients receiving linezolid. Specific dose adjustment recommendations are not presently available. Consider therapy modification

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Alpha1-Agonists. While linezolid is expected to interact via this mechanism, management recommendations differ from other monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Refer to linezolid specific monographs for details. Exceptions: Linezolid; Tedizolid. Avoid combination

Propacetamol: May increase the serum concentration of Phenylephrine (Systemic). Management: Monitor patients closely for increased side effects of phenylephrine if propacetamol is used concomitantly. Patients with underlying blood pressure issues or arrhythmias may need closer monitoring and may warrant consideration of alternative therapies. Monitor therapy

Solriamfetol: Sympathomimetics may enhance the hypertensive effect of Solriamfetol. Monitor therapy

Sympathomimetics: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy

Tedizolid: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Tedizolid may enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy

Tricyclic Antidepressants: May enhance the therapeutic effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Tricyclic Antidepressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Monitor therapy

Adverse Reactions

Frequency not defined.

Injection:

Cardiovascular: Cardiac arrhythmia (rare), exacerbation of angina, hypertension, hypertensive crisis, ischemia, localized blanching, low cardiac output, peripheral vasoconstriction (severe), reflex bradycardia, visceral vasoconstriction (severe), worsening of heart failure

Central nervous system: Anxiety, dizziness, excitability, headache, insomnia, nervousness, paresthesia, precordial pain (or discomfort), restlessness

Dermatologic: Pallor, piloerection, pruritus

Endocrine & metabolic: Metabolic acidosis

Gastrointestinal: Epigastric pain, gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting

Genitourinary: Decreased renal blood flow, decreased urine output

Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reaction (including skin rash, urticaria, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Neck pain, tremor, weakness

Ophthalmic: Blurred vision

Respiratory: Dyspnea, respiratory distress

Oral: Central nervous system: Anxiety, dizziness, excitability, headache, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Cardiovascular effects: Intravenous use of phenylephrine may cause severe bradycardia (likely baroreflex mediated) and reduced cardiac output due to an increase in cardiac afterload especially in patients with preexisting cardiac dysfunction (Goertz 1993; Yamazaki 1982). May also precipitate angina in patients with severe coronary artery disease and increase pulmonary arterial pressure. Use with caution in patients with preexisting bradycardia, partial heart block, myocardial disease, or severe coronary artery disease. Avoid or use with extreme caution in patients with heart failure or cardiogenic shock; increased systemic vascular resistance may significantly reduce cardiac output. Avoid use in patients with hypertension (contraindicated in severe hypertension); monitor blood pressure closely and adjust infusion rate. May also cause excessive peripheral and visceral vasoconstriction and ischemia to vital organs, particularly in patients with extensive peripheral vascular disease.

• Extravasation: IV administration: Vesicant; ensure proper needle or catheter placement prior to and during infusion. Avoid extravasation.

Disease-related concerns:

• Acidosis: Acidosis may reduce the efficacy of phenylephrine; correct acidosis prior to or during use of phenylephrine.

• Autonomic dysfunction: Patients with autonomic dysfunction (eg, spinal cord injury) may exhibit an exaggerated increase in blood pressure response to phenylephrine.

• Hyperthyroidism: Use with caution in patients with hyperthyroidism.

Concurrent drug therapy issues:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO-I): Use with extreme caution in patients taking MAO inhibitors; hypertension may result from concurrent use.

Dosage form specific issues:

• Benzyl alcohol and derivatives: Some dosage forms may contain sodium benzoate/benzoic acid; benzoic acid (benzoate) is a metabolite of benzyl alcohol; large amounts of benzyl alcohol (≥99 mg/kg/day) have been associated with a potentially fatal toxicity (“gasping syndrome”) in neonates; the “gasping syndrome” consists of metabolic acidosis, respiratory distress, gasping respirations, CNS dysfunction (including convulsions, intracranial hemorrhage), hypotension, and cardiovascular collapse (AAP ["Inactive" 1997]; CDC 1982); some data suggests that benzoate displaces bilirubin from protein binding sites (Ahlfors 2001); avoid or use dosage forms containing benzyl alcohol derivative with caution in neonates. See manufacturer's labeling.

• Oral: When used for self-medication (OTC), use with caution in patients with asthma, bowel obstruction/narrowing, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, increased intraocular pressure, prostatic hyperplasia or in the elderly. Notify healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve within 7 days or are accompanied by fever. Discontinue and contact health care provider if nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness occur.

• Sulfites: Some products contain sulfites which may cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Appropriate use: When used intravenously in patients who are hypotensive, assure adequate circulatory volume to minimize need for vasoconstrictors.

• Trained personnel: [US Boxed Warning]: Intravenous preparations should be administered by adequately trained individuals familiar with its use.

Monitoring Parameters

Blood pressure (or mean arterial pressure), heart rate; cardiac output (as appropriate), intravascular volume status, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (as appropriate); monitor infusion site closely

Consult individual institutional policies and procedures.

Pregnancy Risk Factor

C

Pregnancy Considerations

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. Phenylephrine crosses the placenta at term. Maternal use of phenylephrine during the first trimester of pregnancy is not strongly associated with an increased risk of fetal malformations; maternal dose and duration of therapy were not reported in available publications. Phenylephrine is available over-the-counter (OTC) for the symptomatic relief of nasal congestion. Decongestants are not the preferred agents for the treatment of rhinitis during pregnancy. Oral phenylephrine should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy; short-term use (<3 days) of intranasal phenylephrine may be beneficial to some patients although its safety during pregnancy has not been studied. Phenylephrine injection is used at delivery for the prevention and/or treatment of maternal hypotension associated with spinal anesthesia in women undergoing cesarean section. Phenylephrine may be associated with a more favorable fetal acid base status than ephedrine; however, overall fetal outcomes appear to be similar. Nausea or vomiting may be less with phenylephrine than ephedrine but is also dependent upon blood pressure control. Phenylephrine may be preferred in the absence of maternal bradycardia.

Patient Education

What is this drug used for?

All oral products:

• It is used to treat nose stuffiness.

Injection:

• It is used to treat low blood pressure.

Frequently reported side effects of this drug

• Insomnia

• Agitation

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Sweating a lot

Other side effects of this drug: Talk with your doctor right away if you have any of these signs of:

• Kidney problems like urinary retention, hematuria, change in amount of urine passed, or weight gain.

• Chest pain

• Tachycardia

• Passing out

• Abnormal heartbeat

• Severe dizziness

• Severe headache

• Vision changes

• Severe anxiety

• Tremors

• Blurred vision

• Shortness of breath

• Excessive weight gain

• Swelling of arms or legs

• Bradycardia

• Burning or numbness of hands or feet

• Severe injection site pain, burning, edema, or irritation

• Signs of a significant reaction like wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Further information

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

Related questions

• Phenylephrine vs Pseudoephedrine - What's the difference between them?

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