Phenylephrine
SUDAFED PE
Pronunciation: fen-il-EF-rin
What it isSelective alpha-1 agonist; hypotension, topical nasal congestion and mydriasis.
Why this oneThe IV form raises blood pressure without direct tachycardia, useful when tachyarrhythmia limits other pressors.
What limits it⚑ Oral phenylephrine does not relieve congestion; IV use can cause reflex bradycardia and ischemia.
FDA-approved for
- hypotension (1939)
- nasal congestion (1939)
Off-label
- ischemic priapism (intracavernosal)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nasal/sinus congestion (OTC decongestant) | Adults & children ≥12 yr | 1 tablet q4h | 1 tablet q4h | 6 tablets/24h |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Do not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours.
Instructions
- Children <12 yr: ask a doctor — do not self-administer.
Available strengths
- tab 5, 10, 25 mg
- drops 2.5, 10 %
- sol 2.5 mg/5 mL
- sol 25, 100 mg/mL
- nasal spray 0.25, 0.5, 1 g/100 mL
- nasal spray 10 mg/mL
- supp 6.25 mg
- supp 5 mg/2 g
- + 1 other marketed form not shown
Contraindications
- MAOIs (concurrently or within 14 days)
Cautions
- Ask a doctor before use if you have: heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, or difficulty in urination due to prostate enlargement
- Do not exceed recommended dosage
- Stop use and ask a doctor if nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness occur, or if symptoms do not improve within 7 days or occur with fever
Adverse reactions
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Sleeplessness
Pregnancy OTC carton: if pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use
Lactation OTC carton: if pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use
Cost
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | tab | per unit | not offered | |
| 10 mg | tab | per unit | $0.05/ea | not offered |
| 25 mg | tab | per unit | not offered |
Available combined with: triprolidine
Generic entry2018
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskOral dosing for congestion does not work
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryC
Defining liabilityLocal irritation, sensitization or administration-site injury; negligible systemic toxicity at usual use.