What is this medicine?

PHENYLEPHRINE (fen il EF rin) can treat a variety of conditions. It is often used during surgery. This medicine may used to treat very low blood pressure or serious heart problems such as irregular heartbeat.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection or infusion into a vein, or injection into a muscle or under the skin. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• chest pain

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• pale skin

• unusual sweating

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

• confusion, nervousness

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• bromocriptine

• cocaine

• ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• anesthesia

• medicines for mental depression

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• head injury or disease

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• an unusual or allergic reaction to phenylephrine, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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