Medication guide
Phenylephrine Hydrochloride
- Generic name
- Phenylephrine Hydrochloride
- Common brand names
- Sudafed PE
- Medication class
- Sympathomimetic decongestant
Overview
Its medication class is Sympathomimetic decongestant. Common uses include Temporary nasal congestion relief. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.
How to Take it
- Route
- Oral tablet/capsule.
- Time of day
- Morning/early afternoon to reduce insomnia.
- With food/water
- 120–240 mL water; food reduces GI upset.
- Preparation
- Take immediately after meal for comfort unless label differs.
- Safe dose
- Use the lowest effective dose for symptom duration.
- Max dose
- Use only labeled daily maximum and avoid multiple products with same stimulant.
- Frequency
- Every 4–12 hours depending agent/dosing strength.
- Other recommendations
- Monitor blood pressure and pulse; avoid if instructed by clinician.
Common uses
- Temporary nasal congestion relief
Common side effects
- Anxiety
- jitteriness
- headache
- dizziness
- insomnia
- rapid heartbeat
- elevated blood pressure
- nausea
- and constipation
Important warnings
- Use caution in hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, and hyperthyroidism. Avoid with other sympathomimetics, stimulants, and MAOIs. Use exact adult/child dosing; avoid in children under label limits. Seek urgent care for arrhythmia, severe anxiety, fainting, chest pain, or persistent hypertension.
General interactions information
Additive sympathomimetic effects with stimulants and MAOIs
Sources / references
- Phenylephrine — MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
These references offer further reading. A source link does not establish that a clinician has reviewed every statement in this guide.
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