Phenylephrine (By mouth)

Phenylephrine (fen-il-EF-rin)

Treats stuffy nose and sinuses.

Brand Name(s):

Children's Sudafed PE Nasal Decongestant, Childrens Triaminic Thin Strips, Contac D Cold, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Nasal Decongestant PE, Good Sense Nasal Decongestant PE, Lusonal, Medi-First Non-Pseudo Sinus Decongestant, Medi-Phenyl, Nasal Decongestant PE, PediaCare Decongestant Drops, Quality Choice Suphedrine PE, Rite Aid Nasal Decongestant PE, Rite Aid Sinus Pressure & Congestion Relief PE, Sudafed PE, Sudo-Tab PE

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to phenylephrine or other nasal decongestants. Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks.

How to Use This Medicine:

Chewable Tablet, Thin Sheet, Tablet, Dissolving Tablet, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Disintegrating tablet: Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the disintegrating tablet. Peel back the foil from the blister pack, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. After it has melted, swallow or take a drink of water.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, or trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 7 days, or if you develop a fever.
Ask your doctor before you give this medicine to your child. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 4 years.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Nervousness, restlessness, or trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017