What is this medicine?
Phenylephrine (fen il EF rin)
Phenylephrine is an alpha-adrenergic agonist and vasoconstrictor.
- It may help address symptoms of priapism or erectile emergencies.
- It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Compounded Drug Forms: Intracavernosal injection
What should the injectable product look like?
Upon visual inspection, the vial contents should appear as a clear solution with no visible particles.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
- Allergy to phenylephrine
- History of hypertension
- History of cardiovascular disease
- History of autonomic dysfunction
How should I use this medicine?
Follow the package directions provided by the pharmacy and by your prescriber. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Follow the dosing schedule provided carefully.
This injectable medication should be given intracavernosal as indicated by your healthcare provider. See recommended administration guide for further instruction.
What are the limits to how often I can use this medication?
- No more than 5 injections within 24 hours. Do not exceed the dosing limitations given by your prescriber. If erection does not subside after phenylephrine use, seek medical attention immediately in person.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives blistering, swelling of the mouth, face, lips tongue throat, trouble breathing.
- Injection site reaction: redness or itching around the administration site.
- Injection site changes: bruising, infection, or fibrosis
- Monitor blood pressure, respiratory and heart rate as indicated by your provider.
- Monitor erection detumescence.
What may interact with this medicine?
- Drug interactions exist with this medication.
- Discuss your medication regimen with your health care provider to determine the best therapy for you.
What side effects or adverse drug reactions may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that may occur and may go away as your body gets used to the medication include:
- Dizziness or headache
- Feeling nervous or excitable, restlessness
- Trouble sleeping
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Sweating a lot
- Stomach or neck pain
What serious events prompt immediate attention?
Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience:
- Signs of high blood pressure, such as extreme headache or dizziness, eyesight changes, passing out.
- Chest pressure or pain, increased heart rate
- Shakiness
- Signs of kidney problems, such as difficulty passing urine, urinary volume changes, blood in urine, extreme weight gain.
- Irregular heartbeat, slow or fast
- Blurred vision
- Shortness of breath, swelling in arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet.
- Signs of injection site infection, such as redness, burning, pain, swelling, blisters, sores, or fluid drainage at site.
You may experience side effects not listed. Contact your doctor with questions.
An allergic reaction to this medication is unlikely but seek medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and/or trouble breathing.
Where should I keep my medicine?
- Follow the storage recommendations found on your prescription label.
- Store injectables at room temperature between 59- and 86-degrees F, unless otherwise specified on the packaging.
- Protect injectables from light.
Additional Information:
- Do not share this medication with others to whom it was not prescribed.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- If an overdose is suspected contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you have any questions concerning this or any of your medications, a pharmacist is available during normal business hours to answer your questions. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medication or any other medication. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does not include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. For questions about the source of any of the information provided herein, pharmacists at Belmar Pharma Solutions are available. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of this medicine.
Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to dispose of medications. There may be a drug take-back program in your area.
References:
- Phenylephrine. Lexi-Drugs. Lexicomp. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Riverwoods, IL. Available at: http://online.lexi.com. Accessed October 2023.
