Table of contents:
- What Drug Phenylephrine?
- What is Phenylephrine for?
- How is Phenylephrine taken?
- How is Phenylephrine stored?
- Phenylephrine dosage
- What is the dosage of Phenylephrine for adults?
- What is the dosage of Phenylephrine for children?
- Phenylephrine side effects
- What side effects can be experienced due to Phenylephrine?
- Phenylephrine Drug Warnings and Cautions
- What should be known before using Phenylephrine?
- Is Phenylephrine safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
- Phenylephrine Drug Interactions
- What medicines may interact with Phenylephrine?
- Can food or alcohol interact with Phenylephrine?
- What health conditions can interact with Phenylephrine?
- Phenylephrine overdose
- What should I do in an emergency or overdose?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
What Drug Phenylephrine?
What is Phenylephrine for?
Phenylephrine is a medication that is used to temporarily relieve symptoms of nasal, sinus and ear congestion caused by colds, allergies, or other respiratory problems (eg sinusitis, bronchitis). This medication works by reducing swelling in the nose and ears, thereby reducing discomfort and making it easier to breathe.
Cough and cold products are unsafe and ineffective for children younger than 6 years. Therefore, do not use this drug to treat flu symptoms in children under 6 years of age unless your doctor recommends it. Some products (such as long-term tablets / capsules) are not recommended for use by children under 12 years of age. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for details about using this product safely.
This product does not cure or shorten the flu, and may cause serious side effects. To reduce the risk of side effects, follow dosage directions precisely. Do not use this product to make children sleepy. Do not use cough and cold medicines which may have the same or similar ingredients (see also Interactions section). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to treat cold and cough symptoms (such as drinking lots of water, using a humidifier, or saline nasal spray).
How is Phenylephrine taken?
If you are using an over the counter medicine, read and follow the instructions on the product package before taking this medication.
Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Drinking it after meals will reduce the chance of stomach upset.
If you are taking the liquid version of this medication, measure the dose with a measuring device or measuring spoon. Do not use a home spoon as the dosage may be wrong.
If you are using chewable tablets, chew each tablet until it breaks before swallowing.
If you are using a product that dissolves in the mouth (tablets or strips), dry your hands before handling the medicine. Place each dose on the tongue and allow it to melt completely, then swallow it with saliva or water.
The dosage is based on your age. Do not increase the dose or take this medicine more often than recommended, without the doctor's permission. Excessive use of this drug can cause serious harm (eg hallucinations, convulsions, death).
If your symptoms do not improve or get worse after 7 days, if you have fever / chills, or if you think you have a serious medical problem, seek medical help immediately.
How is Phenylephrine stored?
This medication is best stored at room temperature, 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 medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.
Phenylephrine dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.
What is the dosage of Phenylephrine for adults?
IM or subcutaneous: 2 - 5 mg every 1 - 2 hours as needed.
IV bolus: 0.2 mg / dose (range: 0.1 - 0.5 mg / dose) every 10 - 15 minutes as needed (initial dose should not exceed 0.5 mg)
IV infusion: 100 - 180 mcg / min at baseline. The maintenance dose is 40 - 60 mcg / minute.
Alternatively, 0.5 mcg / kg / minute; titrate until the desired response. Doses ranging from 0.4 - 9.1 mcg / kg / min have been reported.
Adult Dose for Shock
IM or subcutaneous: 2 - 5 mg every 1-2 hours as needed.
IV bolus: 0.2 mg / dose (range: 0.1 to 0.5 mg / dose) every 10-o 15 minutes as needed (initial dose not to exceed 0.5 mg)
IV infusion: 100 - 180 mcg / minute at baseline. The maintenance dose is 40 - 60 mcg / minute.
Alternatives: 0.5 mcg / kg / minute; titrate until the desired response. Doses ranging from 0.4 to 9.1 mcg / kg / min have been reported.
Adult Dose for Supraventricular Tachycardia
0.25 - 0.5 mg IV over 30 seconds.
Adult Dose for Nasal Congestion
Oral tablet or liquid: 10 - 20 mg orally every 4 hours as needed.
Phenylephrine 7.5 mg / 5 mL oral liquid:
15 mg orally every 6 hours not to exceed 60 mg per day.
Phenylephrine 10 mg oral tablet:
10 mg orally every 4 - 6 hours not to exceed 4 doses per day.
Phenylephrine 10 mg orally, strips that dissolve in the mouth:
10 mg orally every 4 hours not to exceed 6 doses per day.
Phenylephrine 10 mg / 5 mL oral suspension, extended release:
10 - 20 mg orally every 12 hours.
Phenylephrine tannate 10 mg orally chewable tablet, extended release:
10 - 20 mg orally every 12 hours.
Phenylephrine tannate 7.5 mg / 5 mL oral suspension, extended release
7.5 - 15 mg orally every 12 hours.
What is the dosage of Phenylephrine for children?
IM or subcutaneous: 0.1 mg / kg every 1 to 2 hours as needed. Maximum: 5 mg.
IV bolus: 5 - 20 mcg / kg / dose every 10-15 minutes as needed.
IV: 0.1 - 0.5 mcg / kg / minute titration as needed.
Children's dosage for supraventricular tachycardia
5 - 10 mcg / kg IV for 30 seconds.
Children's Dose for Nasal Congestion
Phenylephrine 1.25 mg / 0.8 mL oral liquid:
2 years - 5 years: 1.6 mL orally every 4 hours not to exceed 6 doses per day.
Chewable tablet or oral liquid:
6 years - 11 years: 10 mg orally every 4 hours as needed.
12 years and over: 10 - 20 mg orally every 4 hours as needed.
Phenylephrine 7.5 mg / 5 mL oral liquid:
2 years - 5 years: 3.75 mg orally every 6 hours not to exceed 15 mg per day.
6 years - 11 years: 7.5 mg orally every 6 hours not to exceed 30 mg per day.
12 years - older: 15 mg orally every 6 hours not to exceed 60 mg per day.
Phenylephrine 10 mg oral tablet:
12 years and over: 10 mg orally every 4 - 6 hours not to exceed 4 doses per day.
Phenylephrine 10 mg orally dissolved tablet:
2 years - 5 years: 5 mg orally every 4 hours as needed.
6 years - 11 years: 10 mg orally every 4 hours as needed.
12 years and over: 10 - 20 mg orally every 4 hours as needed.
Phenylephrine 10 mg / 5 mL oral suspension, extended release:
12 years and over: 10 to 20 mg orally every 12 hours.
6 years - 11 years: 5 - 10 mg orally every 12 hours.
Phenylephrine 10 mg orally disintegrating strip:
12 years and over: 10 mg orally every 4 hours not to exceed 6 doses per day.
Phenylephrine tannate 10 mg orally chewable tablet, extended release:
6 years - 11 years: 5 - 10 mg orally every 12 hours.
12 years and over: 10 - 20 mg orally every 12 hours.
Phenylephrine tannate 7.5 mg / 5 mL oral suspension, extended release
2 years - 5 years: 1.25 to 2.5 mL orally every 12 hours.
6 years - 11 years: 2.5 to 5 mL orally every 12 hours.
12 years and over: 5 to 10 mL orally every 12 hours.
Phenylephrine 1.25 mg orally disintegrating strip:
2 years - 3 years: 2.5 mg orally every 4 hours, not to exceed 15 mg in 24 hours.
Phenylephrine 2.5 mg orally disintegrating strip:
2 years - 5 years: 2.5 mg orally every 4 hours, not to exceed 15 mg in 24 hours.
6 years - 11 years: 5 mg orally every 4 hours, not to exceed 30 mg in 24 hours.
Phenylephrine 1.25 mg oral chewable tablet:
12 years and over: 5 mg orally every 4 hours not to exceed 6 doses per day.
Phenylephrine 2.5 mg / 5 mL oral liquid:
4 years - 5 years: 5 mL orally every 4 hours, not to exceed 6 doses in 24 hours.
6 years - 11 years: 10 mL orally every 4 hours, not to exceed 6 doses in 24 hours.
Phenylephrine side effects
What side effects can be experienced due to Phenylephrine?
Mild stomach pain, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, nervousness, trembling, or fast heartbeat may occur. If these effects persist or get worse, contact your doctor immediately.
This product may reduce blood flow to the hands or feet, causing them to become cold. Smoking can exacerbate these effects. Wear warm clothes and avoid smoking.
If your doctor asks you to take this drug, keep in mind that he has considered that its benefits outweigh the risk of side effects. Many people who take this drug do not experience serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you experience some of these serious but uncommon side effects:
fast / unusual heartbeat, shaking uncontrollably, difficulty urinating.
Tell your doctor right away if you experience these very serious but rare side effects:
seizures, mental / mood changes (nervousness, panic, confusion, unusual thoughts and behavior).
Serious allergic reactions to this drug are classified as rare. However, seek medical help if you experience the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:
skin rash, hives / swelling (especially on the face / tongue / throat), severe dizziness, difficulty breathing.
Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Phenylephrine Drug Warnings and Cautions
What should be known before using Phenylephrine?
- Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:
Allergy
Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other 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
Children can be more sensitive to the effects of phenylephrine. This can increase the risk of side effects during treatment. Additionally, this drug at 10% strength is not recommended for use in infants. Meanwhile, 2.5 and 10% strengths are not recommended for use in infants born underweight.
Elderly
The use of phenylephrine 2.5 or 10% may increase the chance of developing problems during treatment with this medicine in the elderly. In addition, heart and blood vessel problems usually appear more frequently in elderly patients than in younger patients.
Is Phenylephrine safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug 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
Phenylephrine Drug Interactions
What medicines may interact with Phenylephrine?
Taking this drug with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may not prescribe this medicine to you or will replace some of the drugs you are already taking.
- Clorgyline
- Iproniazid
- Isocarboxazid
- Linezolid
- Nialamide
- Phenelzine
- Procarbazine
- Rasagiline
- Selegiline
- Tranylcypromine
Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.
- Amitriptyline
- Amoxapine
- Clomipramine
- Desipramine
- Dothiepin
- Doxepin
- Furazolidone
- Imipramine
- Iobenguane I 123
- Lofepramine
- Midodrine
- Nortriptyline
- Opipramol
- Pargyline
- Protriptyline
- Trimipramine
Taking this medication with the drugs below may increase your risk of side effects, but in some cases, a combination of these two drugs may be the best treatment. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.
- Guanethidine
- Propranolol
Can food or alcohol interact with Phenylephrine?
Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco 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 Phenylephrine?
Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:
- Diabetes mellitus type 2, or
- Heart or blood vessel disease, or
- High blood pressure - 2.5 and 10% strength Phenylephrine can make the condition worse
- Idiopathic orthostatic hypotension (a type of low blood pressure) —The use of this medication may cause a large increase in blood pressure.
Phenylephrine overdose
What should I do in an emergency or overdose?
In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) 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 nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.
