Phentolamine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Use

What is Phentolamine for?

Phentolamine is an alpha-adrenergic blocking drug that can be used to treat certain health conditions, such as:

• pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal glands)
• hypertension, especially those caused by pheochromocytoma
• impotence (erectile disorder)
• peripheral vascular disease

In cases of impotence, phentolamine can cause permanent damage to the penis and loss of erectile ability if not used according to doctor's instructions.

In addition, phentolamine is a drug that can be used to eliminate the effects of anesthetic on certain parts of the body, such as the lips and tongue.

How do you use phentolamine?

Phentolamine is a drug that is available as an injection. If you are using the self-injecting medication at home, here are the procedures you need to know:

• Clean the injection area with alcohol. With a sterile needle, inject the drug slowly and directly into the base of the penis according to the doctor's instructions.
• Do not inject just under the skin. The injections usually don't hurt, although you can feel a tingling sensation at the tip of your penis.
• If the injection is very painful or you experience bruising or swelling at the injection site, this means you are injecting the drug under the skin. Stop, remove the needle and position it back properly before continuing the injection.
• After you finish the injection, put pressure on the injection area to prevent bruising. Then massage the penis according to the doctor's instructions. This helps the drug spread throughout the penis, so the drug works better.

Phentolamine is a drug that will start working in 10 minutes. If you are still unsure about how to use this injectable drug, consult your doctor.

To reverse the effects of the anesthetic on the soft tissue, a trained dentist or health professional will give you phentolamine.

How to store this drug?

Phentolamine is a drug that must be stored at room temperature, which is about 25-30 degrees Celsius. Keep away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush phentolamine down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when the drug has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your medicine.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of phentolamine for adults?

Phentolamine 0.5-1 mg is injected very slowly into the area on the penis according to the doctor's instructions. Give 1-2 minutes to complete 1 injection dose. Do not inject more than 1 dose per day. Also, do not use phentolamine more than 2 consecutive days or more than 3 times a week.

What is the dosage of phentolamine for children?

There is no provision for the dose of this drug for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage and preparation is this drug available?

Phentolamine is available in the following dosages:

• Fluid
• Injection
• Powder for liquid

Side effects

What side effects may occur due to phentolamine?

Phentolamine is a drug that may cause some unwanted side effects.

Although not all of these side effects can occur, consult a doctor immediately if the side effects do not go away.

According to MIMS, here are some of the side effects of phentolamine that you need to be aware of:

• dizzy
• low blood pressure
• irregular heartbeat
• sweating
• chest pain
• nausea
• gag
• diarrhea
• seizures
• an erection that continues for more than 4 hours, or an erection that is painful
• a lump on the penis

Phentolamine that is injected into the penis can cause tingling at the tip of the penis. This is nothing to worry about.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using phentolamine?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make.

Here are some things you need to pay attention to before using phentolamine:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to certain drugs, especially phentolamine or other ingredients in this medicine.

Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

Research to date has not shown a link between age and the effects of phentolamine for reversal of soft tissue anesthesia in children under 6 years. Safety and effectiveness have not been determined.

Elderly

Many drugs have not been studied specifically in the elderly. Therefore, it is not known whether this drug works in the same way as younger adults or whether it causes side effects or problems in the elderly.

Although there is no specific information regarding the use of phentolamine for erectile dysfunction in the elderly, this drug is unlikely to cause different side effects or problems in the elderly.

Is this drug safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using phentolamine drugs in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Interaction

What medicines may interact with phentolamine?

Although certain drugs are not recommended to be used together, in other cases two different drugs can be used together even though drug interactions may occur.

In these cases, your doctor may change the dose, or other precautions need to be taken. Tell your doctor if you are using any other prescription or nonprescription drugs.

The following is a list of drugs that can interact with phentolamine:

• alprazolam
• albuterol
• epinephrine
• ephedrine
• sildenafil
• tadalafil
• vardenafil

Can food or alcohol interact with phentolamine?

Certain drugs should not be used when eating certain foods because drug-food interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems or disease
• kidney and liver disorders or diseases

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or symptoms of an overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118 or 119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose in one use.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.