When we have a cold or an allergy, we experience times when our nose gets blocked and it becomes difficult to breathe. Sometimes there is a runny nose and our head feels heavy. When you go to see a doctor at a time like this, he or she may prescribe a medicine called 'Phenylephrine'. Most of the time, it comes in the form of a syrup. So today, let's talk about this medicine, what it does, and what precautions you should take while using it.
What is Phenylephrine?
Simply put, this is a type of medicine that reduces nasal congestion and stuffiness. In medical terms, we call these 'decongestants'.
Think about it, there are many very fine blood vessels inside our nose. When we have a cold or an allergy, these blood vessels swell and become larger. Then, the space inside our nose decreases, which is why we feel like our nose is blocked.
Phenylephrine works by constricting (slightly narrowing) these swollen blood vessels. This reduces the swelling inside your nose, reduces congestion, and allows you to breathe more easily. This medicine can help relieve a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sinus pressure.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Phenylephrine is not a one-size-fits-all medication. If you have certain health conditions, taking this medication may cause problems. Therefore, it is extremely important to tell your doctor your complete medical history before prescribing this medication.
If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to inform your doctor about them.
| Do you have these conditions? | Why is it important to tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Phenylephrine can affect blood sugar levels. |
| Heart disease or high blood pressure | This medicine can increase blood pressure and heart rate. |
| Thyroid disease | If thyroid hormone levels are unbalanced, the risk of side effects is higher. |
| Prostate problems | This medication may make urination more difficult. |
| Use of MAOI medications | These are medications used to treat depression. Phenylephrine can cause dangerously high blood pressure if you have used these within the past 14 days. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | In these cases, medical advice is essential to ensure the safety of the medication. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | It is important to know if you are allergic to phenylephrine or anything else it contains. |
How to use the medicine correctly?
It is very important to take the medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor, in the prescribed dosage, and at the correct time.
- Correct measurement: If this medicine is a syrup, use the special plastic cup or spoon that comes with it to measure it.
- When given to children: Doctors sometimes recommend this medicine even to children over 2 years of age. But it should be done only on the advice of a doctor . When giving it to a child, you need to be very careful about the dosage.
- If you miss a dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
- If you overdose: If you think you have overdosed, take immediate action. You can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- Keep away from children. This is very important.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from extreme heat and extreme cold.
- Protect from direct sunlight.
- Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date.
- Phenylephrine is a medicine that helps relieve nasal congestion and sinus pressure. However, it is not necessary for every cold or nasal congestion.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease) and all other medications you are taking.
- Use the correct measuring cup or spoon that comes with the medicine, rather than a household teaspoon, to measure the medicine.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as rapid heartbeat or severe allergic reactions, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share your medicine with others without the advice of a doctor.
Do not use teaspoons or tablespoons from your kitchen for this. They are not accurate in measurement, and you may end up taking too much or too little medicine.
Other things that can cause problems with this medicine (Interactions)
Phenylephrine can interact with some other medications, so tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking (including those prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and even traditional medicines).
| Type of medicine | Description |
|---|---|
| Do not take Phenylephrine with these. | |
| MAOI drugs | A type of medication used to treat depression. Taking these two together can cause dangerously high blood pressure. |
| Ergot class medications (e.g. Ergotamine) | Often prescribed for migraines. |
| Other stimulants, cocaine | The effects on the heart and blood pressure can be severe. |
| Be very careful when using these. | |
| Anesthesia | The anesthesiologist should be informed about this before surgery. |
| Blood pressure medication | Phenylephrine can reduce the effectiveness of these medications. |
| Other medications for depression | Increases the risk of side effects. |
Side effects that may occur when taking medication
Like any medicine, Phenylephrine can cause side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | What to do? |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing) | Seek medical advice immediately. This is an emergency. |
| Heart palpitations | Notify the doctor immediately. |
| Increased blood pressure (severe headache, chest pain) | Notify the doctor immediately. |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Anxiety, nervousness | If the condition persists, inform the doctor. |
| Headache | If the condition persists, inform the doctor. |
| Trouble sleeping | If the condition persists, inform the doctor. |
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