Phenylephrine rectal cream or ointment

What is this medication?

PHENYLEPHRINE (fen il EF rin) is used to treat the itching, swelling, and pain of hemorrhoids.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Formulation R

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

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

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Prostate problems
• Thyroid disease
• Trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• An unusual or allergic reaction to phenylephrine, sulfites, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Wash your hands before and after use. Do not get it in your eyes. If you do, rinse your eyes with plenty of cool tap water. Use it as directed on the label. Do not use it more often than directed. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Apply a thin film to the affected area. Do not use fingers or any mechanical device to put this medication inside the rectum.

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?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Bromocriptine
• Cocaine
• Dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergoloid mesylates, methysergide, or ergot-type medication
• MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Other stimulant medications

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Anesthesia
• Medications for blood pressure
• Medications for depression

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?

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. See your care team if your symptoms last more than 7 days. Do not use if there is blood in your stools. Report rectal bleeding, pain, burning, itching, blistering, or any other sign of irritation to your care team.

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

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

• Rectal pain, burning, or bleeding after use

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?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not refrigerate. Get rid any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medications to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If your cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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.