Phenylephrine (Systemic) Overview

(fen il EF rin)

LuSonal™; Medi-First™ Sinus Decongestant [OTC]; Medi-Phenyl [OTC]; Neo-Synephrine® Injection; PediaCare® Children's Decongestant [OTC]; Sudafed PE® Children's [OTC]; Sudafed PE® [OTC]; Sudogest™ PE [OTC]; Triaminic Thin Strips® Children’s Cold with Stuffy Nose [OTC]; Triaminic Thin Strips® Cold [OTC] [DSC]

Alpha/Beta Agonist

• Talk with healthcare provider before giving this medicine to a child. Check all of your child's medicines, including over-the-counter, with healthcare provider.

• This medicine does not mix well with many medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

• If you have an allergy to phenylephrine or any other part of this medicine.

• If you have a sulfite allergy, talk with healthcare provider.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Fast heartbeat or high blood pressure.

• If you have taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) must be stopped 14 days before this medicine is started. Taking the two together could cause dangerously high blood pressure.

• Phenylephrine shrinks swollen nasal tissue and opens up passages.

• It shrinks blood vessels to increase blood pressure.

• It lengthens the effect of certain numbing medicines.

Oral:

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Chewable tablet: Chew or crush well. Mix crushed tablet with food. Do not swallow whole.

• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

Injection:

• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.

• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein over a period of time.

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Many times this medicine is used on an as needed basis.

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• The injection will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2009-12-29 12:23:31.0

Modified: 2010-03-25 12:24:33.0

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