PHENYLEPHRINE HCL

Phenylepherine is a decongestant that relieves nasal congestion by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passages.

This medication is used to temporarily treat stuffy nose, sinus, and ear symptoms due to common cold, flu, allergies or other breathing illnesses such as sinusitis and bronchitis.

Do not use this drug:

  • If you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days.
  • If you are allergic to Phenylephrine or to other decongestants.
  • If you have medical conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure, diabetes or thyroid disorder. Consult with your doctor first.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask first for your doctor’s approval.
  • To children under 6 or 12 years unless specifically prescribed by the doctor.

This product may reduce blood flow to your hands or feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use.

Common side effects may include:

  • Mild Upset Stomach
  • Trouble Sleeping
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Headache
  • Nervousness
  • Shaking
  • Fast Heartbeat

Notify your doctor promptly if any of these symptoms persist or worsen.

Your doctor may have prescribed this medication because he or she judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

Unlikely but serious side effects may include:

  • Fast or Irregular Heartbeat
  • Severe or Uncontrolled Shaking
  • Difficulty Urinating
  • Seizures
  • Mental/Mood Changes (e.g., Anxiety, Panic, Confusion, Unusual Thoughts or Behavior)
  • Severe Allergic Reaction

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these serious side effects.

Precautions

Before taking phenylephrine, tell your doctor or pharmacist:

  • If you are allergic to it; or to pseudoephedrine/ephedrine; or if you have any other allergies.
  • If you are to undergo any surgery.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Your medical history, especially of:
    • Blood Vessel Problems (e.g., Raynaud’s Disease, Low Blood Flow to the Brain, Legs, Hands)
    • High Blood Pressure
    • Diabetes
    • Glaucoma
    • Heart Disease (e.g., Angina, Fast or Irregular Heartbeat, Heart Failure)
    • Mental or Mood Disorders (e.g., Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Mania)
    • Difficulty Sleeping
    • Seizure Disorder
    • Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)
    • Trouble Urinating (e.g., Due to Enlarged Prostate)

This drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision. Avoid activities requiring alertness or clear vision such as driving until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit the use of alcohol and certain other medications that cause drowsiness.

Older adults and children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, drowsiness, mental or mood changes, constipation, fast heartbeat, trouble urinating, or blood pressure changes.

 

Interactions

Drug interactions may either lessen the effectiveness of this drug or heighten the risk for severe side effects. It’s important to inform your doctor all the medication including prescription and non-prescription and herbal medicines you are taking or going to take.

Possible interactions with this drug are:

  • MAO Inhibitors (Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Methylene Blue, Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Procarbazine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
  • Blood Pressure Medications (Especially Reserpine, Guanethidine, Methyldopa, Beta Blockers such as Atenolol or Calcium Channel Blockers such as Nifedipine)
  • Other Decongestants (Taken by Mouth or Applied in the Nose)
  • Digoxin
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Imipramine)
  • Some Medications Used for Migraine Headaches (e.g., Sumatriptan, Naratriptan, Zolmitriptan, Ergotamine)

Call emergency hotline if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

  • Severe Dizziness or Fainting
  • Hallucinations
  • Fast or Irregular Heartbeat
  • Slow or Shallow Breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures

 

Available brand/s:

  • Alnix Plus
  • Bromitapp
  • Cold-Aid
  • Dimeped
  • Dimerrin

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