Phenylephrine, or phenylephrine hydrochloride, is a medicine used to treat inflammation and redness of the eyes, reduce nasal congestion, and as a preparation for fundus exams or surgery (such as cataracts).
This medication is a synthetic catecholamine that constricts blood vessels, increases and dilates the pupil (mydriatic effect) and acts as a decongestant, and may also be used in combination with other active ingredients such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to treat Treat flu conditions.
Phenylephrine can be found at prescription pharmacies in the form of eye and nose drops or in sachets of granules mixed with other medications under the trade names Colircusi, Aguettant, Donolefrina, Disneumon pernasal, or Gelocatil Flu forte and must be prescribed under medical Use under indications. In addition to this, phenylephrine is in the form of an injectable solution that is used only in specific circumstances in a hospital setting and by a nurse under medical supervision.
what is this for
Depending on the form in which it is taken, phenylephrine may be used in different situations:
- Decongestants and eye lubricants for eye inflammation, dryness, or redness;
- Nasal decongestants used to treat the common cold, allergic processes, or sinusitis;
- Prevention of inflammation of the iris and uvea, such as uveitis, adhesions and iritis;
- Mydriasis for diagnostic purposes or before surgery, such as nuclear cataracts;
- Influenza conditions and allergies, use in combination with other active ingredients such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, chlorpheniramine, or loratadine.
In addition, this drug is used in the form of an injectable solution for the maintenance of blood pressure during spinal anesthesia and for the treatment of vascular insufficiency in shock, shock and drug-induced hypotension or anaphylaxis.
Dosage and Administration
The dose and mode of administration of phenylephrine depend on its form, as follows:
1. Phenylephrine eye drops
Each milliliter of eye drops contains 100 milligrams of phenylephrine. The route of administration is ophthalmic and it is recommended to instill 1 to 3 drops into the affected eye every 3 or 4 hours, depending on the situation.
This medicine is not for use in children under 12 years of age or in very old children.
2. Nasal Phenylephrine
Nasal phenylephrine contains 5 mg per ml of solution. Nasal dosage may vary depending on a person’s age:
In order to take this medication correctly, the bottle and head must be held in a vertical position while pressing the upper part of the diffuser with your finger. At this time, you must inhale deeply at the same time to promote the maximum penetration of the drug.
Not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
3. Phenylephrine for Injection
Injectable phenylephrine is for hospital use only and must be administered by a nurse under medical supervision. Doses are administered individually according to the condition to be treated.
Gelocatil Flu forte with Phenylephrine
Phenylephrine can be combined with other active compounds such as paracetamol and chlorpheniramine in the form of a granular solution under the trade name gelocatil Flu forte for the combined treatment of flu symptoms including fever, mild to moderate, stuffy and runny nose. . Learn more about top flu medicines.
Gelocatil grupe forte in sachets contains paracetamol 650 mg, phenylephrine 15.58 mg and chlorpheniramine 4 mg, the indicated dosage for adults and over 15 years is 1 sachet every 6-8 hours according to medical instructions. The maximum dose is 3 sachets in 24 hours, taken in 3 divided doses.
To take this medication, the granules should be completely dissolved in half a glass of water.
If fever persists for more than 3 days, pain or other discomfort persists for more than 5 days, or worsens or new symptoms appear, you should consult your doctor again.
side effect
Phenylephrine in eye drop form can cause eye irritation if used in excess. If patients experience eye pain, vision changes, irritation, or redness that persists or worsens after 72 hours, discontinue use and refer to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation.
As far as nasal phenylephrine is concerned, if taken for a long time, it may cause some side effects, such as headache, nasal itching, rhinitis, dry or burning sensation of nasal mucosa, and drug dependence.
In general, some rare side effects that may occur if you take too much phenylephrine include: dizziness, nervousness, tachycardia, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, malaise, rash, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and trouble sleeping.
Excessive or continued use of this drug may cause rebound congestion, leading to increased congestion, runny nose, difficulty urinating, and urinary retention in men with prostate problems.
Contraindications
Phenylephrine should not be taken by people with allergies to ingredients in the formula, angle-closure glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, aneurysms, hyperthyroidism, and tachycardia.
In addition, the drug should be used with caution in patients with partial heart block, severe bradycardia and orthostatic hypotension, hyperthyroidism and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
This drug is not for use in older adults, children under 6 years of age, or pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Phenylephrine may interfere with the use of other drugs such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, antihypertensives, atropine, or anesthetics that sensitize the myocardium to sympathomimetic agents.