There are days when your nose is so stuffy that it's hard to breathe, right? Or you have a constant runny nose. The sinus congestion and headache that come with it make the whole day very uncomfortable. One medicine we use at times like this is Phenylephrine. So, today we'll talk about what Phenylephrine is, how to use it, and what things we need to be careful about when taking this medicine.
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What is Phenylephrine?
Simply put, this is a medicine that is used to treat conditions like stuffy nose, runny nose, and sinus congestion. This medicine belongs to a group of drugs called 'decongestants' .
Think about it, when the blood vessels inside our nose swell, we feel a stuffy nose. Phenylephrine works by shrinking these swollen blood vessels and reducing the swelling inside the nose. This reduces the congestion and makes it easier for you to breathe. This is usually found in the form of drops that you take by mouth.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, it is very important to know the complete details of your health condition. Because this medicine is not compatible with some medical conditions. Especially if you have the following conditions, do not forget to tell them about them.
| Health condition or opportunity | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. |
| Heart disease | Heart rate and rhythm can be affected. |
| High blood pressure | This can further increase blood pressure. |
| Thyroid disease | Thyroid hormone levels may be affected. |
| Use of MAOI drugs | If you have taken an MAOI antidepressant such as Carbex, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate within the past 14 days, it can cause a very dangerous reaction. |
| Allergies to phenylephrine or other substances | If you have any allergies to medications, foods, dyes, etc., please let us know. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is essential to seek medical advice before using any medication during pregnancy. |
| Breastfeeding | Talk to your doctor about whether this medication passes to your baby through breast milk. |
How should I use the medicine?
The method of using this medicine is very simple, but very important.
- Take only the dosage prescribed by your doctor: Do not take more, less, or more frequently than your doctor tells you to.
- Use the correct measure: Only use the measuring cup, dropper, or syringe that comes with the medicine. Do not measure with teaspoons or tablespoons that you have at home. They may not be accurate and you may get too much or too little medicine.
- Take it at the right time: Take the medicine at the right time, every few hours, as prescribed by your doctor.
- When given to children: This medicine is sometimes prescribed to children over 2 years of age. But only under the strict supervision of a doctor. When giving it to children, you need to be very careful about the dosage.
Warning: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give your medicine to someone else, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
Imagine that you or a child in your household accidentally took too much of this medicine. Do not take this lightly. If this happens , immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Other medications you are taking may interact with Phenylephrine, so it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
| Drugs that should not be taken with Phenylephrine | |
|---|---|
| |
| Other drugs that may interact with Phenylephrine | |
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This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take. Also tell him if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, Phenylephrine can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are mild.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Heart palpitations | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, chest pain, irregular heartbeat. |
| Increased blood pressure | Symptoms such as severe headache and dizziness. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Anxiety, nervousness | Feeling restless for no reason. |
| Headache | A common headache. |
| Trouble sleeping | Difficulty falling asleep at night. |
What else should you be concerned about?
If your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if they worsen, be sure to see your doctor again. This is also true if you have these symptoms along with a fever.
Keep the medicine out of the reach of children . Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius), away from direct sunlight and light. Never use or discard expired medicine.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Phenylephrine is a medication used to treat conditions such as nasal congestion and sinus congestion.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about any conditions you have such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and all other medications you are taking.
- Always measure the correct dose with an accurate measuring device. Do not use household spoons.
- If you take too much medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
- If you experience severe side effects such as skin rash, chest tightness, or if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, seek medical advice again.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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