When you have a cold, your nose gets blocked and you have difficulty breathing. Sometimes your forehead and cheeks feel tight. We call this sinus pressure. So, at times like this, a doctor may prescribe you a medicine called Phenylephrine syrup. Today, let's talk about this medicine and what you need to be careful about when using it.
What is Phenylephrine?
Simply put, phenylephrine is a medicine that reduces nasal congestion . Medically speaking, these belong to a class of drugs called 'decongestants'.
Think about it, when you have a cold, the tiny blood vessels inside your nose swell. This swelling is what causes your nose to be stuffy and makes it hard to breathe. Phenylephrine works by shrinking the swollen blood vessels inside your nose. This reduces the swelling, relieves the congestion, and makes it easier for you to breathe. This can help relieve symptoms like runny nose, stuffy nose, and sinus pressure.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you phenylephrine, it is very important that your doctor knows about your health condition. This medicine is not compatible with some medical conditions. Therefore, if you have any of the problems below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Illness or condition | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. |
| Heart disease | This can increase heart rate and blood pressure. |
| High blood pressure | This medicine can further increase blood pressure. |
| Thyroid disease | This medicine may cause side effects if you have thyroid problems. |
| Prostate problems | Difficulty urinating may increase. |
| Use of MAOI medications | It can be very dangerous if you have taken an MAOI type of medication (used for depression) within the last 14 days. |
| Being pregnant or planning to be pregnant/breastfeeding | In these cases, you should talk to your doctor about the safety of the medication. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | It is important to let us know if you are allergic to phenylephrine or anything else. |
How should I use the medicine?
- Use as directed by your doctor: Read the instructions on the medicine bottle carefully. Take only the dose prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time.
- Shake well: This is a suspension, meaning the medicine particles are suspended in a liquid. So you need to shake the bottle well before using it. That way, you will get the right amount of medicine in each dose.
- Use the correct measuring cup: Only use the specially marked measuring spoon or cup that comes with the medicine. Do not use kitchen teaspoons or tablespoons. They are not accurate, so you may get more or less of the medicine you are taking.
- Take your medicine on time: Take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
If you give it to children...
Doctors recommend this medicine for children over 2 years of age in some special cases. However, you should definitely talk to your doctor about it and only give it according to his instructions.
Attention: Overdose
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
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 on time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Some medications can react with phenylephrine and cause dangerous side effects, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Medications that should never be taken with phenylephrine | |
|---|---|
| MAOI type medication | For example: Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate. (A type of medication given for mental illness). |
| Ergot-type medicine | E.g.: Dihydroergotamine, Ergotamine (medicine used for migraines). |
| Bromocriptine | It is a medicine given for conditions such as Parkinson's disease. |
| Other stimulant medications | Medications for things like attention problems. |
| Other medications that may interact with phenylephrine (inform your doctor ) | |
| Anesthesia | Anesthetic medication given before surgery. |
| Medicine for blood pressure | Blood pressure control medication. |
| Medication for depression | Especially tricyclic 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.
| 🚨 If you have these symptoms, inform your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Heart palpitations | Rapid heartbeat, feeling like your chest is pounding. |
| Increased blood pressure | Symptoms such as severe headache and dizziness. |
| 🙂 Usually there is nothing to worry about, but if it persists, there are things you should tell your doctor. | |
| Anxiety, nervousness | Feeling unwell. |
| Headache | A common headache. |
| Trouble sleeping | Difficulty falling asleep at night. |
Take-Home Message
- Phenylephrine is a decongestant that relieves conditions such as nasal congestion and sinus pressure.
- If you have other medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure , be sure to tell your doctor before taking this medicine.
- Always use the correct measuring cup that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not use kitchen spoons.
- It is very dangerous to use this with MAOI medications. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
- If your symptoms do not improve or worsen after taking the medicine, see your doctor again.
- Keep the medicine bottle out of the reach of children, away from light, and at room temperature. Throw away after the expiration date.
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