PhenylephrineOver the counter

Pronounced fen-il-EF-rin

Brand names: Sudafed PE (oral form)

Type: Decongestant · All Allergy Medicines

What Phenylephrine is used for

• Nasal congestion (nasal spray form)
• Raising blood pressure in hospital (injection)
• Eye redness (drops)

Common side effects

• Nasal irritation (spray)
• Raised blood pressure
• Headache
• Rapid heartbeat

Important cautions

• Nasal sprays can cause rebound congestion if used for more than a few days in a row
• Regulators have concluded the oral form does not work well as a decongestant — ask a pharmacist about alternatives
• Can raise blood pressure — caution in heart disease and high blood pressure

How it comes

Nasal spray, tablets, eye drops, injection (hospital). This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.