What is phenylephrine-injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Phenylephrine is a man-made drug that stimulates
receptors (alpha1 receptors) on blood vessels and cause blood vessels to
constrict (vasoconstriction). It is a vasoconstrictor medication, structurally
similar to epinephrine and ephedrine. Vasoconstriction increases blood pressure.
Phenylephrine increases blood pressure and heart rate without affecting heart
rhythm.
What brand names are available for phenylephrine-injection?
NeoSynephrine, Neofrin
Is phenylephrine-injection available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
Do I need a prescription for phenylephrine-injection?
Yes
What are the side effects of phenylephrine-injection?
Side effects of phenylephrine are headache, reflex bradycardia
(slow heart beat), excitability, anxiety, restlessness, high blood pressure, and
rarely abnormal heart beats.
What is the dosage for phenylephrine-injection?
Injection: 10 mg/mL supplied as a 1 mL single dose vial
Which drugs or supplements interact with phenylephrine-injection?
Phenylephrine should be used cautiously with
MAO
inhibitors like selegiline (Eldepryl, Zelapar), phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), because they
can also increase blood pressure and can cause a serious hypertensive episode. A
similar reaction occurs when phenylephrine is combined with amphetamine and
related drugs.
Phenylephrine should be used with caution with antidepressants like
amitriptyline
(Elavil, Endep), nortriptyline
(Pamelor, Aventyl), doxepin
(Sinequan, Adapin), and
trazodone
(Deyrel). Such anti-depressants may
increase blood pressure if used together with phenylephrine.
QUESTION
Salt and sodium are the same.
See Answer
Is phenylephrine-injection safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies done on phenylephrine to determine
safe and effective use in
pregnant women.
It is not known whether phenylephrine enters
breast milk;
therefore, it is best to be cautious before using it in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about phenylephrine-injection?
What preparations of phenylephrine-injection are available?
Injection: 10 mg/ml
How should I keep phenylephrine-injection stored?
Store phenylephrine injections between 15 C to 30 C (59 to 86 F).