Phenylephrine

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Richards E, Maani CV

Phenylephrine

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Abstract

The FDA-approved indication for intravenous (IV) phenylephrine hydrochloride is for increasing blood pressure in adults with clinically significant hypotension resulting primarily from vasodilation in such settings as septic shock or anesthesia. Phenylephrine HCL is also used over-the-counter in ophthalmic formulations to promote mydriasis and conjunctival blood vessel vasoconstriction, intranasal administration as a treatment for uncomplicated nasal congestion, and as an over-the-counter additive to topical hemorrhoid medications.[1] Phenylephrine is less commonly used off-label as an additive to neuraxial/peripheral nerve blockade, to treat priapism and other conditions where local vasoconstrictive effects and reduced blood flow are the desired effect. In the setting of IV administration, phenylephrine is a commonly used anesthetic vasopressor for patients with normal cardiac function and hypotension secondary to the vasodilatory effect of anesthetic medications or non-cardiac shock states.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs: Phenylephrine