Phenylephrine

stimulant · nervous · cardiovascular · Oral

Phenylephrine, a stimulant. α1-adrenergic agonist with minimal β activity. OTC oral decongestant since the 2006 Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic… Oral half-life 6 h.

α1-adrenergic agonist with minimal β activity. OTC oral decongestant since the 2006 Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act moved pseudoephedrine behind-the-counter; the active in Sudafed PE, Vicks Sinex, and most non-drowsy cold formulations. FDA Sept 2023 NDAC voted that oral phenylephrine at standard 10 mg PO doses is ineffective for nasal congestion (heavy first-pass via SULT1A3 reduces oral F to ~38%, much pre-systemic). Intranasal and IV routes work; IV used in anesthesia for hypotension.

Behind-the-counter in US. Avoid with hypertension.

Sources: PMID:16092832