Phenylephrine Injection

What is this medication?

PHENYLEPHRINE (fen il EF rin) treats low blood pressure. It works by narrowing your blood vessels, which helps increase your blood pressure.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Biorphen, IMMPHENTIV, Neo-Synephrine, Vazculep

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• Heart or blood vessel conditions
• High blood pressure
• An unusual or allergic reaction to phenylephrine, sulfites, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected or infused into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medication may also interact with the following medications:

• Certain medications for depression, such as amitriptyline
• Contrast agents used before CT, MRI, or X-ray scans
• Digoxin
• Medications for blood pressure
• Oxytocin
• Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Burning, pain, tingling, or color changes in the hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Painful swelling, warmth, or redness of the skin, blisters or sores at the infusion site
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Headache
• Nausea
• Tremors or shaking
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.