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Phenylephrine is a tablet that is taken by mouth for a stuffy nose, sinus congestion, or sinus pressure. Common side effects may include an upset stomach, feeling jittery, or restlessness. If you have heart or thyroid problems, high blood pressure, or diabetes, talk to your pharmacist or another health care provider before taking phenylephrine. 

Uses

What is phenylephrine used for?

Phenylephrine is commonly used for the following symptoms.

Phenylephrine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Phenylephrine is also available in other forms. See Phenylephrine ophthalmic and Phenylephrine nasal for more information.

How does phenylephrine work (mechanism of action)?

Phenylephrine is a decongestant. It narrows your blood vessels, which may help reduce swelling and congestion in your nose and sinuses.

How is phenylephrine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Actifed
  • Sudafed PE

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 5 mg, 10 mg oral tablets

How should I store phenylephrine?

Phenylephrine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Some products may be able to be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting them. Follow the storage directions for the product you are taking. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of phenylephrine?

The most common side effects of phenylephrine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Upset stomach
  • Feeling jittery
  • Restlessness
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of phenylephrine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of phenylephrine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of phenylephrine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Phenylephrine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking phenylephrine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects. Phenylephrine can affect your central nervous system (CNS). Stop taking phenylephrine and call your health care provider if you have the following symptoms.

  • Dizziness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Nervousness

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use phenylephrine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take phenylephrine.

  • Actifed
  • Phenylephrine
  • Sudafed PE
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific phenylephrine products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Phenylephrine should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking phenylephrine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about phenylephrine before using it?

Follow the instructions that come with the medicine or take it as recommended by your health care provider. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

Keep phenylephrine out of the reach of children.

You should stop taking phenylephrine and contact your health care provider if your symptoms do not get better within seven days or if you also have fever. 

People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk of some side effects from phenylephrine. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using phenylephrine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if phenylephrine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how phenylephrine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take phenylephrine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if phenylephrine passes into breast milk. Phenylephrine might decrease your milk supply if you take it while you are breastfeeding. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take phenylephrine while breastfeeding.

 

Interactions

Does phenylephrine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between phenylephrine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect phenylephrine.

Does phenylephrine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking phenylephrine.

  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • An ergot, such as dihydroergotamine (Migranal or Trudhesa) or ergotamine (Ergomar), which is a medicine used to treat migraine
  • A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed and others), which is a medicine commonly used for nasal congestion and found in many cough and cold products

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with phenylephrine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much phenylephrine?

If you or someone else has used too much phenylephrine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of phenylephrine?

Phenylephrine is meant to be taken only when needed. Take it according to the package directions or as recommended by your health care provider. Do not take double or extra doses.