What is Phenylephrine? Uses & Dosage

What does phenylephrine do?

Phenylephrine works by decreasing swelling in the nose and ears. It also thins and loosens mucus in the airways to clear congestion and make it easier for you to breathe through the nose.

Please be advised that this product is not usually used for long-term conditions, and it will not cure the underlying cause of your symptoms or speed up recovery. If you’re using phenylephrine to self-treat, it’s essential that you read the package instructions carefully before use. This way, you can make sure it’s suitable for your needs.

Cough and cold products like phenylephrine hydrochloride are not viewed as effective or safe for children under six years old.  Additionally, certain medications (e.g., long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years.

You should avoid using medications with similar ingredients to phenylephrine at the same time. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for more information about using these products safely.

Potential phenylephrine side effects

Like many medications, phenylephrine hydrochloride has some potential side effects. That said, decongestants do not usually have many side effects, and any symptoms you may experience are likely to be mild.

Nevertheless, possible side effects of phenylephrine can include:

• Nervousness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
• Increased blood pressure.

Side effects should subside once you stop taking the medication. If you experience any side effects while using phenylephrine medication, speak to your doctor.

Phenylephrine dosage guidance

Always read and follow the product packaging to know the correct phenylephrine dosage. You should not take any more or less of this medication than instructed, nor should you take it more often than recommended.

While taking phenylephrine, you should drink plenty of fluids, as this can help to break down mucus and clear congestion.

If you’re suffering with congestion , products that contain phenylephrine like SUDAFED® Block Nose and Sinus Capsules can help to relieve your symptoms. Adults and children over 16 years can take two capsules every four to six hours as needed. Do not exceed the maximum dosage of eight capsules within 24 hours.

Do not continue to take your phenylephrine dosage for more than three days without consulting a doctor.

Phenylephrine vs pseudoephedrine

Both phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are types of decongestants. They offer relief from congestion and sinus pressure and can be purchased in tablet form.

While phenylephrine can provide short-term relief of cold and allergy symptoms, pseudoephedrine is more commonly used for extended-release and long-acting treatment.

Products like SUDAFED® Decongestant Tablets, which contain pseudoephedrine, provides effective relief for congestion symptoms. It’s also often found as a combination as a manufactured medicine with other active ingredients to offer more effective treatment against cough, cold, and allergy symptoms.

Phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are similar in that they help to provide short-term relief for congestion symptoms, but they differ when it comes to side effects. Always read the product label and leaflet to understand possible side effects of a product.