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Drug overview for PREPARATION H (PE) (phenylephrine hcl):
Generic name: phenylephrine HCl (FEN-il-EF-rin)
Drug class: Rectal Local Vasoconstrictors
Therapeutic class: Anorectal Preparations
Phenylephrine hydrochloride, synthetic sympathomimetic amine, is a vasoconstrictor.
No enhanced Uses information available for this drug.
Generic name: phenylephrine HCl (FEN-il-EF-rin)
Drug class: Rectal Local Vasoconstrictors
Therapeutic class: Anorectal Preparations
Phenylephrine hydrochloride, synthetic sympathomimetic amine, is a vasoconstrictor.
No enhanced Uses information available for this drug.
DRUG IMAGES
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The following indications for PREPARATION H (PE) (phenylephrine hcl) have been approved by the FDA:
Indications:
Hemorrhoids
Proctitis
Pruritus ani
Rectal pain
Professional Synonyms:
Proctalgia
Rectitis
Indications:
Hemorrhoids
Proctitis
Pruritus ani
Rectal pain
Professional Synonyms:
Proctalgia
Rectitis
The following dosing information is available for PREPARATION H (PE) (phenylephrine hcl):
To produce decongestion of the conjunctiva, 1 or 2 drops of a 0.12-0.25% ophthalmic solution of phenylephrine hydrochloride may be applied topically to the conjunctiva every 3-4 hours (up to 4 times daily for self-medication) as needed.
Vasoconstriction for diagnosis of ocular congestion or to improve visualization of ocular blood vessels in sickle-cell disease may be achieved by application of 1 or 2 drops of a 2.5% solution. In the ''blanching test'', congestion probably is caused by conjunctivitis rather than iridocyclitis if the drug produces perilimbal blanching in the congested eye.
A 2.5 or 10% solution of the drug may also be administered prior to surgery to produce mydriasis and aid in controlling hemorrhage. (See Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 52:24.)
To produce nasal decongestion in adults and children 12 years of age or older, the usual dosage is 2 or 3 drops, 1-3 sprays, or 1-3 metered sprays instilled in each nostril. In cases of extreme nasal congestion in adults, a 1% solution may be used initially. To produce nasal decongestion in children 6-12 years of age, 2 or 3 drops or 1 or 2 sprays of a 0.25%
solution may be instilled in each nostril. Doses of the drug as drops or spray may be repeated in 4 hours if needed. Phenylephrine nasal solutions should not be used for self-medication for longer than 3 days; if symptoms persist, the drug should be discontinued and a physician consulted.
Intranasal application of phenylephrine should generally be used for no longer than 3-5 days.
For use with local anesthetics, phenylephrine hydrochloride may be used in concentrations of 1:2500 to 1:20,000.
Vasoconstriction for diagnosis of ocular congestion or to improve visualization of ocular blood vessels in sickle-cell disease may be achieved by application of 1 or 2 drops of a 2.5% solution. In the ''blanching test'', congestion probably is caused by conjunctivitis rather than iridocyclitis if the drug produces perilimbal blanching in the congested eye.
A 2.5 or 10% solution of the drug may also be administered prior to surgery to produce mydriasis and aid in controlling hemorrhage. (See Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 52:24.)
To produce nasal decongestion in adults and children 12 years of age or older, the usual dosage is 2 or 3 drops, 1-3 sprays, or 1-3 metered sprays instilled in each nostril. In cases of extreme nasal congestion in adults, a 1% solution may be used initially. To produce nasal decongestion in children 6-12 years of age, 2 or 3 drops or 1 or 2 sprays of a 0.25%
solution may be instilled in each nostril. Doses of the drug as drops or spray may be repeated in 4 hours if needed. Phenylephrine nasal solutions should not be used for self-medication for longer than 3 days; if symptoms persist, the drug should be discontinued and a physician consulted.
Intranasal application of phenylephrine should generally be used for no longer than 3-5 days.
For use with local anesthetics, phenylephrine hydrochloride may be used in concentrations of 1:2500 to 1:20,000.
Phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solutions are applied topically to the conjunctiva. Digital pressure should be applied on the lacrimal sac for 1-2 minutes following topical instillation of ophthalmic solutions to minimize drainage into the nose and throat and reduce the risk of absorption and systemic reactions. Excess solution around the eye should be removed with a tissue.
For intranasal applications, phenylephrine may be administered in solution as drops or spray. Vicks Sinex(R) (with mist spray nozzle) nasal solution is administered by nasal inhalation using a special nasal inhaler that produces metered droplet sprays. Care must be taken to avoid contamination of the dropper, inhaler, or spray.
Except in young children in whom sprays are difficult to use, nasal sprays may be preferable to drops because of the lesser risk of swallowing the drug and resultant systemic absorption. Drops should be applied to the dependent (lower) nostril, with the patient in a lateral head-low position. The patient should remain in the same position for 5 minutes, then the solution should be applied to the other nostril in a similar manner.
Alternatively, drops may be instilled when the patient is reclining with the head tilted back as far as possible. Sprays should be delivered or pumped (Vicks Sinex(R) metered spray) into each nostril with the patient's head erect so that excess solution is not released. The nose should be blown thoroughly 3-5 minutes later.
Prior to initial use of the metered sprays, the nasal inhaler must be primed by depressing the pump firmly several times. To minimize the risk of spreading infections, droppers, inhalers, and spray dispensers should not be used by more than one person, and tips of the dispensers, inhalers, or droppers should be rinsed with hot water following use. Phenylephrine nasal solutions also may be applied to a tampon or nasal pack for insertion into nasal passages. However, this method of application should be restricted to use in diagnostic or surgical procedures performed under medical supervision because mechanical injury may occur.
For intranasal applications, phenylephrine may be administered in solution as drops or spray. Vicks Sinex(R) (with mist spray nozzle) nasal solution is administered by nasal inhalation using a special nasal inhaler that produces metered droplet sprays. Care must be taken to avoid contamination of the dropper, inhaler, or spray.
Except in young children in whom sprays are difficult to use, nasal sprays may be preferable to drops because of the lesser risk of swallowing the drug and resultant systemic absorption. Drops should be applied to the dependent (lower) nostril, with the patient in a lateral head-low position. The patient should remain in the same position for 5 minutes, then the solution should be applied to the other nostril in a similar manner.
Alternatively, drops may be instilled when the patient is reclining with the head tilted back as far as possible. Sprays should be delivered or pumped (Vicks Sinex(R) metered spray) into each nostril with the patient's head erect so that excess solution is not released. The nose should be blown thoroughly 3-5 minutes later.
Prior to initial use of the metered sprays, the nasal inhaler must be primed by depressing the pump firmly several times. To minimize the risk of spreading infections, droppers, inhalers, and spray dispensers should not be used by more than one person, and tips of the dispensers, inhalers, or droppers should be rinsed with hot water following use. Phenylephrine nasal solutions also may be applied to a tampon or nasal pack for insertion into nasal passages. However, this method of application should be restricted to use in diagnostic or surgical procedures performed under medical supervision because mechanical injury may occur.
No dosing information available.
No generic dosing information available.
The following drug interaction information is available for PREPARATION H (PE) (phenylephrine hcl):
There are 1 contraindications.
These drug combinations generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. A manufacturer label warning that indicates the contraindication warrants inclusion of a drug combination in this category, regardless of clinical evidence or lack of clinical evidence to support the contraindication.
| Drug Interaction | Drug Names |
|---|---|
| Sympathomimetics (Indirect & Mixed Acting)/MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Catecholamine stores increased by MAOIs can be released by indirect acting sympathomimetics such as ephedrine and amphetamine. MAO inhibitors also interfere with gut and liver metabolism of direct acting sympathomimetics (e.g oral phenylephrine). CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of MAOIs may result in potentiation of sympathomimetic effects, which may result in headaches, hypertensive crisis, toxic neurological effects, and malignant hyperpyrexia. Fatalities have occurred. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors and sympathomimetics is contraindicated. The manufacturers of sympathomimetic agents recommend waiting 14 days after discontinuation of MAO inhibitors before initiating the sympathomimetic. DISCUSSION: Indirect acting sympathomimetic amines may cause abrupt elevation of blood pressure when administered to patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, resulting in a potentially fatal hypertensive crisis. Mixed (direct and indirect) acting sympathomimetics have also been shown to interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors depending on their degree of indirect action. The direct-acting sympathomimetics have not been reported to interact. Dopamine is metabolized by monoamine oxidase, and its pressor effect is enhanced by monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Since procarbazine, an antineoplastic agent, is a weak monoamine oxidase inhibitor, hypertensive reactions may result from its concurrent use with indirect and mixed acting sympathomimetics. Furazolidone, an antibacterial with monoamine oxidase inhibitor action, has also been shown to interact with indirect acting sympathomimetics. Linezolid is another antibacterial with monoamine oxidase inhibitor properties. Metaxalone is a weak inhibitor of MAO. Foods containing large amounts of tyramine have also been implicated in this interaction. Methylene blue, when administered intravenously, has been shown to reach sufficient concentrations to be a potent inhibitor of MAO-A. At recommended dosages, rasagiline, oral selegiline, and transdermal selegiline up to 6mg/day are selective for MAO-B; however, at higher dosages they have been shown to lose their selectivity. One or more of the drug pairs linked to this monograph have been included in a list of interactions that should be considered "high-priority" for inclusion and should not be inactivated in EHR systems. This DDI subset was vetted by an expert panel commissioned by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology. |
EMSAM, FURAZOLIDONE, MARPLAN, MATULANE, METAXALONE, METHYLENE BLUE, NARDIL, PARNATE, PHENELZINE SULFATE, PROCARBAZINE HCL, PROVAYBLUE, SELEGILINE HCL, TRANYLCYPROMINE SULFATE |
There are 3 severe interactions.
These drug interactions can produce serious consequences in most patients. Actions required for severe interactions include, but are not limited to, discontinuing one or both agents, adjusting dosage, altering administration scheduling, and providing additional patient monitoring. Review the full interaction monograph for more information.
| Drug Interaction | Drug Names |
|---|---|
| Mixed;Indirect Sympathomimetics/Selected MAOIs SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Catecholamine stores increased by MAOIs can be released by indirect acting sympathomimetics such as ephedrine and amphetamine. MAO inhibitors also interfere with gut and liver metabolism of direct acting sympathomimetics (e.g oral phenylephrine). CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of MAOIs may result in potentiation of sympathomimetic effects, which may result in headaches, hypertensive crisis, toxic neurological effects, and malignant hyperpyrexia. Fatalities have occurred with combinations of sympathomimetics and MAO-A inhibitors. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Concurrent use of MAO-A inhibitors and sympathomimetics is contraindicated. The manufacturers of sympathomimetic agents recommend waiting 14 days after discontinuation of MAO inhibitors before initiating the sympathomimetic. Patients receiving direct or indirect acting sympathomimetics should not receive linezolid unless they are monitored for potential increases in blood pressure. Initial dosages of dopamine and epinephrine should be reduced. At recommended dosages, oral selegiline and transdermal selegiline up to 6mg/day are selective for MAO-B; however, at higher dosages they have been shown to lose their selectivity. Patients receiving higher dosages of selegiline should be considered susceptive to this interaction. DISCUSSION: Indirect acting sympathomimetic amines may cause abrupt elevation of blood pressure when administered to patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, resulting in a potentially fatal hypertensive crisis. Mixed (direct and indirect) acting sympathomimetics have also been shown to interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors depending on their degree of indirect action. The direct-acting sympathomimetics have not been reported to interact. Dopamine is metabolized by monoamine oxidase, and its pressor effect is enhanced by monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Furazolidone, an antibacterial with monoamine oxidase inhibitor action, has also been shown to interact with indirect acting sympathomimetics. Foods containing large amounts of tyramine have also been implicated in this interaction. A significant pressor response was observed in normal subjects receiving linezolid and tyramine doses of more than 100 mg. Administration of linezolid (600 mg BID for 3 days) with pseudoephedrine (60 mg q 4 hours for 2 doses) increased blood pressure by 32 mmHg. Administration of linezolid (600 mg BID for 3 days) with phenylpropanolamine (25 mg q 4 hours for 2 doses) increased blood pressure by 38 mmHg. One or more of the drug pairs linked to this monograph have been included in a list of interactions that should be considered "high-priority" for inclusion and should not be inactivated in EHR systems. This DDI subset was vetted by an expert panel commissioned by the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology. |
EMSAM, LINEZOLID, LINEZOLID-0.9% NACL, LINEZOLID-D5W, SELEGILINE HCL, XADAGO, ZELAPAR, ZYVOX |
| Iobenguane I 123/Agents that Affect Catecholamines SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Many compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may interfere with iobenguane uptake into cells.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may interfere with imaging completed with iobenguane.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Discuss the use of agents that affect catecholamines. Discontinue drugs that reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores prior to imaging with iobenguane. Before imaging with iobenguane, discontinue agents that affect catecholamines for at least 5 biological half-lives, as clinically tolerated.(1) DISCUSSION: Many agents may reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores.(1) Examples include: - CNS stimulants or amphetamines (e.g. cocaine, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine) - norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. phentermine) - norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. tramadol) - monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine, linezolid) - central monoamine depleting drugs (e.g. reserpine) - non-select beta adrenergic blocking drugs (e.g. labetalol) - alpha agonists or alpha/beta agonists (e.g. pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, naphazoline) - tricyclic antidepressants or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. amitriptyline, bupropion, duloxetine, mirtazapine, venlafaxine) - botanicals that may inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin or dopamine (e.g. ephedra, ma huang, St. John's Wort, yohimbine) |
ADREVIEW |
| Mixed;Indirect Sympathomimetics/Rasagiline SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Catecholamine stores increased by MAOIs can be released by indirect acting sympathomimetics such as ephedrine and amphetamine. MAO inhibitors also interfere with gut and liver metabolism of direct acting sympathomimetics (e.g oral phenylephrine). CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of MAOIs may result in potentiation of sympathomimetic effects, which may result in headaches, hypertensive crisis, toxic neurological effects, and malignant hyperpyrexia. Hypertensive crisis has been reported in patients taking recommended doses of rasagiline with sympathomimetic agents. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: At recommended dosages, rasagiline is selective for MAO-B; however, at higher dosages it has been shown to lose its selectivity. Patients receiving higher dosages of rasagiline should be considered susceptive to this interaction. Concurrent use should be approached with caution. DISCUSSION: Indirect acting sympathomimetic amines may cause abrupt elevation of blood pressure when administered to patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, resulting in a potentially fatal hypertensive crisis. Mixed (direct and indirect) acting sympathomimetics have also been shown to interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors depending on their degree of indirect action. The direct-acting sympathomimetics have not been reported to interact. Dopamine is metabolized by monoamine oxidase, and its pressor effect is enhanced by monoamine oxidase inhibitors. |
AZILECT, RASAGILINE MESYLATE |
There are 2 moderate interactions.
The clinician should assess the patient’s characteristics and take action as needed. Actions required for moderate interactions include, but are not limited to, discontinuing one or both agents, adjusting dosage, altering administration.
| Drug Interaction | Drug Names |
|---|---|
| Sympathomimetics/Rauwolfia Alkaloids SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Reserpine depletes catecholamine stores within the peripheral vascular adrenergic nerve endings, thus indirect acting sympathomimetics are unable to trigger the release of catecholamines. The reserpine-induced catecholamine release increases sensitivity to the effects of direct acting sympathomimetics. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Increased effects of direct acting sympathomimetics. Decreased effects of indirect acting sympathomimetics. Mixed acting sympathomimetics will show effects based on the predominance of either direct or indirect activity. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If these agents are administered concurrently, monitor blood pressure. The dose of the sympathomimetic may need to be adjusted. DISCUSSION: This interaction has been well documented in animal studies and human case reports have confirmed the interaction. Reserpine has been shown to decrease the response to epinephrine administered for hypotension. Reserpine has also been shown to decrease the effectiveness of ophthalmic epinephrine, a direct acting sympathomimetic. Ophthalmic phenylephrine has been shown to decrease the hypotensive effects of reserpine. |
RESERPINE |
| Sympathomimetics (Direct, Mixed-Acting)/Methyldopa SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Unknown. CLINICAL EFFECTS: The pressor response to sympathomimetics may be increased. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Start with low doses of sympathomimetics and monitor blood pressure of patients during concurrent administration of sympathomimetics and methyldopa. DISCUSSION: The pressor response to sympathomimetics has been reported to be increased during methyldopa administration. In addition to increased duration of pressor response, severe hypertension has been reported. |
METHYLDOPA, METHYLDOPA-HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE, METHYLDOPATE HCL |
The following contraindication information is available for PREPARATION H (PE) (phenylephrine hcl):
Drug contraindication overview.
No enhanced Contraindications information available for this drug.
No enhanced Contraindications information available for this drug.
There are 0 contraindications.
There are 0 severe contraindications.
There are 6 moderate contraindications.
Clinically significant contraindication, where the condition can be managed or treated before the drug may be given safely.
| Moderate List |
|---|
| Benign prostatic hyperplasia |
| Cardiac arrhythmia |
| Coronary artery disease |
| Hypertension |
| Hyperthyroidism |
| Nervousness |
The following adverse reaction information is available for PREPARATION H (PE) (phenylephrine hcl):
Adverse reaction overview.
No enhanced Common Adverse Effects information available for this drug.
No enhanced Common Adverse Effects information available for this drug.
There are 9 severe adverse reactions.
| More Frequent | Less Frequent |
|---|---|
| None. | None. |
| Rare/Very Rare |
|---|
|
Cardiac arrhythmia Dizziness Headache disorder Hyperhidrosis Insomnia Nervousness Pallor Tachycardia Tremor |
There are 1 less severe adverse reactions.
| More Frequent | Less Frequent |
|---|---|
| None. | None. |
| Rare/Very Rare |
|---|
|
Rectal irritation |
The following precautions are available for PREPARATION H (PE) (phenylephrine hcl):
No enhanced Pediatric Use information available for this drug.
Contraindicated
Severe Precaution
Management or Monitoring Precaution
Contraindicated
| None |
Severe Precaution
| None |
Management or Monitoring Precaution
| None |
Animal reproduction studies have not been performed with phenylephrine. It is not known whether topically applied phenylephrine can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Parenterally administered phenylephrine in late pregnancy or labor may cause fetal anoxia.
(See Cautions: Pregnancy and Lactation, in Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 12:12.04.) Topically applied phenylephrine should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed.
(See Cautions: Pregnancy and Lactation, in Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 12:12.04.) Topically applied phenylephrine should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed.
Since it is not known whether phenylephrine is distributed into milk, the drug should be used with caution in nursing women.
No enhanced Geriatric Use information available for this drug.
The following prioritized warning is available for PREPARATION H (PE) (phenylephrine hcl):
No warning message for this drug.
No warning message for this drug.
The following icd codes are available for PREPARATION H (PE) (phenylephrine hcl)'s list of indications:
| Hemorrhoids | |
| K64.0 | First degree hemorrhoids |
| K64.8 | Other hemorrhoids |
| K64.9 | Unspecified hemorrhoids |
| O22.4 | Hemorrhoids in pregnancy |
| O22.40 | Hemorrhoids in pregnancy, unspecified trimester |
| O22.41 | Hemorrhoids in pregnancy, first trimester |
| O22.42 | Hemorrhoids in pregnancy, second trimester |
| O22.43 | Hemorrhoids in pregnancy, third trimester |
| O87.2 | Hemorrhoids in the puerperium |
| Proctitis | |
| K62.7 | Radiation proctitis |
| K62.89 | Other specified diseases of anus and rectum |
| Pruritus ani | |
| L29.0 | Pruritus ani |
| L29.3 | Anogenital pruritus, unspecified |
| Rectal pain | |
| K62.89 | Other specified diseases of anus and rectum |
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