Phenylephrine (oral)

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Closed angle glaucoma
• Hyperthyroidism
• Prostatic enlargement
• Phaeochromocytoma

Cautions

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Renal impairment
• Hepatic impairment
• Occlusive vascular disease
• Raynaud's phenomenon
• Prolonged use

Pregnancy

• Caution
• Safety for use in pregnancy has not been established. This product should only be used during pregnancy if it is considered to be essential

Breastfeeding

• Caution
• It is unknown if phenylephrine is secreted in breast milk. Safety for use in breastfeeding women has not been established

Renal Impairment

• Caution; no information available

Hepatic Impairment

• Caution; no information available

Elderly

• No dose adjustment recommended

Cardiovascular Disorders

• Tachycardia
• Palpitations
• Extrasystoles
• Arrhythmias
• Myocardial infarction
• Hypertension

Immune, Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders

• Hypersensitivity reactions

Sensory Disorders

• Eye pain
• Eye irritation
• Blurred vision
• Photophobia
• Allergic conjunctivitis

• Antihypertensives
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
• Reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase
• Inhalational anaesthetics
• Cardiac glycosides
• Quinidine
• Alcohol

Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic agent which acts directly on adrenoreceptors. It has predominantly alpha adrenergic activity and does not cause stimulation of the central nervous system. It produces vasoconstriction which relieves nasal congestion.