• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?

PHENYLEPHRINE (fen il EF rin) is a decongestant. It is used to relieve a stuffy nose from allergies, colds, or sinus problems.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• diabetes
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• phenylketonuria
• prostate problems
• taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days
• thyroid disease
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• an unusual or allergic reaction to phenylephrine, other decongestants, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Dissolve on the tongue. Follow the directions on the package label. You can take this medicine with or without water. Take this medicine with food, water, or milk to prevent stomach upset. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 60 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• bromocriptine
• cocaine
• dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergoloid mesylates, methysergide, or ergot-type medication
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• other stimulant medicines

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• anesthesia
• medicines for blood pressure
• medicines for mental depression

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. See your doctor if you are not better in 7 days or if you have a fever.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• chest pain
• difficulty sleeping
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• nervousness
• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache
• loss of appetite
• stomach upset, nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Last Updated: July 24, 2009