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Introduction of
Phenylephrine
Phenylephrine is a decongestant. It works by constricting
(shrinking) blood vessels (veins and arteries). Constriction
of blood vessels in the sinuses, nose, and chest allows
drainage of these areas, which decreases congestion.
Constriction of blood vessels also affects blood pressure.
When taken by mouth, phenylephrine
is used to treat congestion associated with allergies, hay
fever, sinus irritation, and the common cold. When used by
injection, phenylephrine is used to maintain adequate blood
pressure and to treat certain types of irregular heartbeats.
Phenylephrine Interactions with Other drugs
Do not use phenylephrine if you
have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as isocarboxazid,
phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. A
dangerous drug interaction leading to serious side effects
could occur.
Before taking phenylephrine, tell
your doctor if you are taking any other medicines especially
any of the following:
-
medicine to treat high blood
pressure or a heart condition;
-
medicine to treat diabetes;
-
weight loss medication;
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another decongestant (cold or
allergy product); or
-
a tricyclic antidepressants such
as amitriptyline, doxepin, amoxapine, clomipramine,
desipramine, imipramine, protriptyline, trimipramine, or
nortriptyline.
-
You may not be able to take
phenylephrine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or
special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of
the medicines listed above.
-
Drugs other than those listed
here may also interact with phenylephrine. Talk to your
doctor or pharmacist before taking any prescription or
over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Side Effects of Phenylephrine
If you experience any of the
following serious side effects, stop using phenylephrine and
seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor
immediately:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or hives);
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seizures;
-
unusual behavior or
hallucinations; or
-
an irregular or fast heartbeat.
-
Other, less serious side effects
may be more likely to occur. Continue to take phenylephrine
and talk to your doctor if you experience
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dizziness, lightheadedness, or
drowsiness;
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headache;
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insomnia;
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anxiety;
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tremor or restlessness;
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nausea or vomiting; or
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sweating.
Storage Condition for Phenylephrine
Store
phenylephrine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Disclaimer:
Information on this page is provided for general
information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment
decision based on information contained in this page without
consulting other references including the package insert of
the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We
cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in
administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any
erroneous information contained on this page.
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