Phenylephrine
Phenylephrine is a selective alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist. It works by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling, and opening up nasal airways to relieve congestion.
Dosage by Body Weight
For adults and children 12 years and older, the typical oral dose is 10 mg every 4 hours as needed, not to exceed 60 mg in 24 hours. Nasal sprays (0.25% to 1%) are generally used as 2 to 3 sprays in each nostril every 4 hours as needed, for no more than 3 to 5 consecutive days to prevent rebound congestion.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Contraindicated in infants. Standard OTC cough and cold products should not be given to children under 2 to 4 years of age.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Contraindicated. Safety and efficacy of oral decongestants have not been established in infants.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Do not use without direct instruction and supervision from a pediatrician.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 2.5 mg (liquid)
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Only for children aged 4 years and older. Maximum daily dose is 15 mg. Use a calibrated measuring device.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 2.5 mg (liquid)
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure exact pediatric liquid formulation dosing. Do not exceed 6 doses (15 mg total) in 24 hours.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | Do not use | Contraindicated in infants. Standard OTC cough and cold products should not be given to children under 2 to 4 years of age. |
| 5-7 kg | Not recommended | Do not use | Contraindicated. Safety and efficacy of oral decongestants have not been established in infants. |
| 8-10 kg | Not recommended | Do not use | Do not use without direct instruction and supervision from a pediatrician. |
| 11-15 kg | 2.5 mg (liquid) | Every 4 hours as needed | Only for children aged 4 years and older. Maximum daily dose is 15 mg. Use a calibrated measuring device. |
| 16-20 kg | 2.5 mg (liquid) | Every 4 hours as needed | Ensure exact pediatric liquid formulation dosing. Do not exceed 6 doses (15 mg total) in 24 hours. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to temporarily relieve nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and swelling of the nasal passages caused by the common cold, hay fever, or upper respiratory allergies. Also used to dilate pupils or treat low blood pressure during anesthesia.
Generic Name
PhenylephrineBranded Drug Names
Phenylephrine is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.