Phenylephrine

Other Cardiovascular Preps · Sympathomimetic

Indications

Treatment of hypotension, vascular failure in shock, as a vasoconstrictor in regional analgesia, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.

Dosage

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia: Adults: 250-500 mcg per dose over 20 to 30 sec. Children: 5-10 mcg per dose over 20 to 30 sec. Acute hypotension: Adults: SC/IM: Initially 2-5 mg, followed by 1-10 mg, after at least 15 min if needed. IV inj: 100-500 mcg via slow IV inj, repeated as necessary after at least 15 min. IV inf: Initially up to 180 mcg/min, reduced to 30-60 mcg/min, altered as needed.

Administration

IV Infusion: 10 mg in 500 mL (concentration: 20 mcg/mL). Compatibility: Stable in dextran 6% in dextrose, dextran 6% in NS, D5LR, D5 1/4NS, D5 1/2NS, D5NS, D10W, D5W, NS, LR, 1/2 NS, sodium bicarbonate 5%. Y-site administration: Drug to Drug IV Compatibility: Amikacin, amiodarone, aztreonam, bumetanide, calcium gluconate, cephazolin, ceftriaxone, cisatracurium, dexamethasone, diltiazem, diphenhydramine, dobutamine, dopamine, enalapril, epinephrine, esmolol, famotidine, fentanyl, fluconazole, gentamicin, heparin, hydrocortisone, hydromorphone, imipenem, labetalol, levofloxacin, linezolid, lorazepam, magnesium sulphate, methylprednisolone, metoclopramide, midazolam, morphine, nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, norepinephrine, ondansetron, pantoprazole, piperacillin/tazobactam, tobramycin, vancomycin, vasopressin, vecuronium. Drug to Drug IV Incompatibility: Acyclovir, insulin regular,…

Adverse Effects

Arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, pallor, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, nausea, tremor, respiratory distress, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, urticaria, reduced renal output, blanching of skin.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Severe hypertension, ventricular tachycardia, closed angle glaucoma, narrow iridocorneal angle prone to glaucoma precipitated by mydriatics, coronary disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism. Precautions: Bradycardia, myocardial disease, partial heart block, hypertension, severe CAD.

Interactions

Ergot derivatives, hyaluronidase, lobenguane, MAOIs, TCAs, B blockers.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset of action: BP increase/vasoconstriction: IM, SC: 10-15 min. IV: Immediate. Nasal decongestant: Oral: 15-30 min. Duration: BP increase/vasoconstriction: IM: 1-2 hrs. IV: Approx. 15-20 min. SC: 50 min. Nasal decongestant: Oral: = 4 hrs. Absorption: Oral: Erratic and incomplete. Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: Oral: =38%. Half-life elimination: Alpha phase: Approx. 5 min. Terminal phase: 2-3 hrs. Time to peak: Oral: 0.75-2 hrs. Excretion: Urine.

Brands with this active ingredient

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.