Phenylephrine is a nasal decongestant. It works by reducing the swelling of blood vessels present in the nasal cavity.
What is Phenylephrine?
Phenylephrine is used to relieve the pain of colds and nose problems triggered by allergies. It can also be used to fight congestion and sinus pressure.
How should Phenylephrine be taken?
Phenylephrine is usually taken orally in the form of tablets or solutions, to be taken as needed about every four hours. There are also extended-release formulations to be taken only once or twice a day. Some medicines contain phenylephrine combined with other drugs.
Side effects associated with Phenylephrine
Phenylephrine can trigger serious side effects. If you feel nervousness, dizziness or sleeplessness it is recommended to stop and call your doctor for advice.
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Phenylephrine
Cough and cold drugs that don't require a prescription, including those containing phenylephrine, may trigger dangerous side effects in children. Therefore, avoid administration to children under the age of four. In children between four and eleven it is essential to carefully follow the instructions on the package leaflet. Phenylephrine should not be taken by those suffering from phenylketonuria, or who are being treated with MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline and tranylcypromine, or if you stopped the treatment with any of these drugs for less than two weeks.
At any age, before taking a medicine containing this active ingredient, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist about:
- allergies to the active substance or any other drug.
- other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements you are taking.
- If you suffer (or have suffered) from high blood pressure, diabetes, problems urinating caused by thyroid diseases or cardiac or prostatic hypertrophy.
- a possible pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding.
You must also inform surgeons and dentists in case of using phenylephrine.
If your symptoms do not improve within the first seven days of treatment or in case of fever, phenylephrine should be stopped and you should seek medical attention.
