Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 3, 2021.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Biorphen
- Vazculep
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Vasopressor
Pharmacologic Class: Adrenergic System
Chemical Class: Alkylarylamine
Uses for phenylephrine
Phenylephrine injection is used to treat hypotension (low blood pressure) that may occur during surgery.
Phenylephrine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using phenylephrine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For phenylephrine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to phenylephrine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of phenylephrine injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of phenylephrine injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have kidney, liver, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving phenylephrine injection.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precaution...
