Phenylephrine

Mechanism-of-action classes: Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; Adrenergic alpha1-Agonists.

• Uses temporarily relieves sinus congestion and pressure temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever or other upper respiratory allergiesICD-10: J00

Directions adults and children 12 years and over: take 1 tablet every 4 hours. Do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours. children under 12 years: ask a doctor

Do not use if you are now taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (certain drugs for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease), or for 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI drug. If you do not know if your prescription drug contains an MAOI, ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. Ask a doctor before use if you have heart disease diabetes thyroid disease high blood pressure difficulty in urination due to enlargement of the prostate gland When using this product do not exceed recommended dosage. Stop use and ask a doctor if nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness occur symptoms do not improve within 7 days or occur with fever If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

• May 27, 2010NDANDA022565Haleon Us Holdings
• Dec 21, 2011NDANDA022113Haleon Us Holdings
• Dec 20, 2012NDANDA203826Hikma
• Mar 21, 2013NDANDA203510Paragon Bioteck
• May 30, 2014NDANDA205388Rayner Surgical
• Jan 15, 2015NDANDA207926Alcon
• Oct 21, 2019NDANDA212909Dr Reddys Labs Sa
• May 30, 2025NDANDA216830Dr Reddys Labs Sa

1. 1Drug Ineffective23,47311%
2. 2Fatigue20,2219.3%
3. 3Headache16,9157.8%
4. 4Nausea16,5467.6%
5. 5Pain16,4507.6%
6. 6Off Label Use15,4847.1%
7. 7Diarrhoea13,9036.4%
8. 8Dyspnoea13,4626.2%
9. 9Arthralgia12,3675.7%
10. 10Dizziness10,1244.7%
11. 11Vomiting9,8044.5%
12. 12Rash9,5204.4%
13. 13Asthenia9,2504.3%
14. 14Pyrexia8,9474.1%
15. 15Pain In Extremity8,1343.7%

Recent PubMed references pinned to Phenylephrine as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

• The Median Effective Dose of Phenylephrine Infusion for Prevention of Spinal-Induced Hypotension During Cesarean Delivery in the 15° Left-Tilt vs. Supine Positions: A Randomised Control Study.
  Drug design, development and therapy · 2026 · Yu XQ, Drzymalski DM, Qian J, et al.
  PMID 42137121DOI 10.2147/DDDT.S591446
• Vasopressor Regimens and Maternal Core Temperature During Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized, Double‑blind, Non‑inferiority Trial.
  Drug design, development and therapy · 2026 · Tao W, Bao J, Cao H, et al.
  PMID 42077590DOI 10.2147/DDDT.S598964
• Attitudes, opinions and practice patterns regarding anaesthesia providers' use of vasopressors: protocol for a multicentre mixed-methods study.
  BMJ open · 2026 · Janda AM, Mirizzi K, Athavale T, et al.
  PMID 42044967DOI 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-115982
• Differential effects of phenylephrine on brain versus skeletal muscle microvascular perfusion: an in vivo laboratory study using translational rodent models.
  Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthesie · 2026 · Jiang H, Chin K, Mak TH, et al.
  PMID 42032394DOI 10.1007/s12630-026-03101-x
• Phenylephrine attenuates LPS-induced lung injury via Foxh1/GSK-3β/β-catenin-mediated alveolar epithelial cell differentiation in ARDS.
  International immunopharmacology · 2026 · Zeng Z, Yin Y, Cong Z, et al.
  PMID 41865454DOI 10.1016/j.intimp.2026.116541
• Ultra-sensitive HPLC-ESI-MS/MS quantitation of N-nitroso-phenylephrine in phenylephrine-containing anticold products.
  Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis · 2026 · Szabó PT, Darcsi A, Turczel G, et al.
  PMID 41762481DOI 10.1016/j.jpba.2026.117441
• Predictive value of a phenylephrine-guided resection algorithm in optimizing eyelid symmetry following bilateral Müller Muscle-Conjunctival Resection.
  International ophthalmology · 2026 · Ulas MG, Koser E, Efe AC, et al.
  PMID 41701404DOI 10.1007/s10792-026-03995-y
• Prophylactic norepinephrine versus phenylephrine infusion on postpartum blood glucose in women undergoing caesarean section: a randomised controlled trial protocol.
  BMJ open · 2026 · Zhang K, Cao H, Ji H, et al.
  PMID 41644162DOI 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-110949

The 10 most recently updated of 742 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Phenylephrine as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.

• A Study to Learn More About How Well Oxymetazoline HCl 0.05% Nasal Gel Works and How Safe It Is in Healthy Adults
  Completed · Phase 2 · Interventional · 120 enrolled · Bayer
  NCT07582328updated 2026-06-08
• Medial Arch-Support Wrestling Shoes and Foot Posture Preservation in Adolescent Wrestlers
  Completed · Interventional · 88 enrolled · Inonu University
  NCT07632924updated 2026-06-08
• Reducing Red Blood Cell Transfusion Requirements for Adults Undergoing Surgical Resection of the Liver - A Quality Improvement Project
  Not yet recruiting · Observational · 60 enrolled · Dr. Glenio Mizubuti (MD, PhD, FRCPC)
  NCT07629648updated 2026-06-05
• Acute and Chronic Repercussion of Spinal Cord Stimulation After Spinal Cord Injury
  Recruiting · Interventional · 80 enrolled · Mayo Clinic
  NCT07210411updated 2026-05-28
• Deciphering Preserved Autonomic Function After Spinal Cord Injury
  Recruiting · Interventional · 69 enrolled · Mayo Clinic
  NCT04493372updated 2026-05-28
• Longitudinal Autonomic Characterization as a Predictor for Secondary Medical Complications Post-SCI
  Recruiting · Interventional · 18 enrolled · Mayo Clinic
  NCT07210437updated 2026-05-28
• Deciphering Preserved Autonomic Function After Multiple Sclerosis
  Recruiting · Interventional · 13 enrolled · Mayo Clinic
  NCT07012135updated 2026-05-28
• The Choice of Vasopressor to Prevent Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury After Major Non-Cardiac Surgery
  Recruiting · Phase 4 · Interventional · 18,000 enrolled · University of California, San Francisco
  NCT06802224updated 2026-05-26
• Role of Sympathetic Overactivity and Angiotensin II in PTSD and CV
  Recruiting · Phase 2 · Interventional · 134 enrolled · Emory University
  NCT02560805updated 2026-05-18
• Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Four Second Line Pharmacological Strategies in Type 2 Diabetes Study
  Active not recruiting · Observational · 781,430 enrolled · Brigham and Women's Hospital
  NCT05220917updated 2026-05-15

Frequently asked questions

How does Phenylephrine work?

Mechanism-of-action classes: Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; Adrenergic alpha1-Agonists.

What is Phenylephrine used for?

According to FDA labeling, Phenylephrine carries indications including: Uses temporarily relieves sinus congestion and pressure temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.

What class of drug is Phenylephrine?

Phenylephrine is classified as Adrenergic and dopaminergic agents, Other agents for treatment of hemorrhoids and anal fissures for topical use, Sympathomimetics, Sympathomimetics, combinations excl. corticosteroids, Sympathomimetics excl. antiglaucoma preparations, Sympathomimetics, plain, Sympathomimetics used as decongestants, alpha-1 Adrenergic Agonist, Adrenergic alpha-Agonists, Adrenergic alpha1-Agonists, Conjunctival Arterial Vasoconstriction, Decreased Nasal and Sinus Secretions.

What are the brand names for Phenylephrine?

Phenylephrine is marketed under brand names including Alahist D, Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion, Benadryl-D Allergy and Sinus, Biorphen, Brovex PBC, Cyclomydril, Dallergy Reformulated Nov 2011, Immphentiv.