- December 4, 2018
- Other drugs
- EgorHas
Phenylephrine hydrochloride is today considered one of the most popular and effective formulations for vasoconstriction. He is struggling with a very complex problem, which, if left untreated, leads to severe bleeding. This remedy is actively used not only in Russia, but also abroad, so all people who care about their own health should pay attention to it.
The article will answer the main questions: phenylephrine - what is it, what is it used for and how to correctly determine the dosage? In addition, below are real patient reviews and possible analogues.
Chemical name and properties
Starting to answer the question, what is phenylephrine, it is worth revealing its complex formula. It is: 3-hydroxy-alpha-methylaminomethyl-benzenementhol. This substance is contained in medications in the form of hydrochloride.
The form of the active substance is distinguished by its whitish tint. It looks like powder and has no specific odor. The component in question goes well with both ordinary water and alcohol. The solution obtained from it is usually administered by injection, although there are other methods, but they will be discussed in more detail below.
The component itself is of synthetic origin. It belongs to the category of alpha-adrenergic receptor stimulants. Speaking about its other features, it is definitely worth noting its weight of 167 grams. As for the melting temperature, it must exceed 130 degrees.
Phenylephrine during pregnancy and lactation
Studies have not been conducted to examine the extent of the effects of phenylephrine hydrochloride on fetal development.
The lack of information about the safety of the ophthalmic solution for pregnant women is grounds for refusal to use the product in question.
The exception is cases when the therapeutic effect is justified by the risks posed to the fetus.
When carrying out therapy during lactation , breastfeeding is artificially interrupted for the duration of treatment.
pharmachologic effect
Understanding what phenylephrine is, experts also recommend considering its pharmacological action. First of all, it is necessary to say about his attitude to the group of anti-convergents. However, it is not exposed to COMT enzymes. Phenylephrine hydrochloride, among other things, has not only vasoconstrictor, but also adrenomimetic properties. It is usually used in cases of circulatory problems.
Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that it is phenylephrine hydrochloride. But for the patients who really need to use it, this information will not be enough. Therefore, it is best for them to consider other facts about the component. This is especially true for those who plan to self-medicate. Although it is strictly forbidden to start using medications without consulting your doctor, few people listen to this rule, which results in complications. And in order to prevent adverse consequences, it is necessary to carefully study the information about the composition, paying special attention to the dosage, as well as indications and contraindications.
Interaction with other drugs
You already know in what cases it is advisable to take phenylephrine hydrochloride, what it is and in what forms it is available. But it is worth remembering that during a medical examination it is important to tell the specialist about all the medications you are taking.
Simultaneous use of this drug with other adrenergic blockers, as well as Furosemide and other diuretics, can lead to a weakening of the vasoconstrictor effect.
The combination of this drug with cyclopropane, halothane and other anesthetics sometimes leads to the development of ventricular fibrillation.
Phenylephrine is also not recommended to be taken together with MAO inhibitors - at least three weeks should pass between courses. You should not combine this medicine with reserpine, as there is a risk of developing severe arterial hypertension.
Of course, this remedy is widely used in modern medicine - sometimes its use is simply vital. However, improper use is dangerous, so you should not self-medicate. Only the attending physician can draw up the correct treatment regimen.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
The substance in question affects alpha-adrenergic receptors. This does not affect the functioning of the heart muscle in any way. Preparations based on this component constrict arterioles and increase blood pressure. In some cases, their influence leads to the appearance of reflex bradycardia.
The active substance begins to transform in the liver. As for the start of its work, it occurs a few minutes after entering the body. The duration of the effect reaches 35 minutes on average. And if the substance gets on the mucous membranes, the expected result occurs within 10 minutes.
What is this substance
This substance in appearance resembles a fine powder, free-flowing, white or somewhat yellowish in color. Phenylephrine hydrochloride has no odor, but can quickly dissolve in water or alcohol. This is a synthetic crystalline component that has a vasoconstrictor effect on the body. It is used to treat a variety of diseases, including a number of eye pathologies.
Phenylephrine hydrochloride melts at a temperature of 134 degrees. If a substance needs to be injected into the body, it must be sterilized at a temperature of 100 degrees for 30 minutes.
Phenylephrine hydrochloride is also an adrenergic agonist; it is capable of stimulating α-adrenergic receptors. The drug is able to increase blood pressure, peripheral vascular resistance, and also constricts arterioles. May have a stimulating effect on the spinal cord or brain, but in small doses has no effect on the nervous system. It can reduce swelling of the mucous membrane in the nasal area, making breathing easier.
In ophthalmology, it is used locally, it constricts blood vessels well in the area of the conjunctival membranes and can significantly improve the outflow of fluid inside the eye. The substance can be used as a mydriatic - a drug that can lower the pressure inside the eyes and dilate the pupil. At the same time, it returns to its normal initial state within approximately 4-6 hours. Penetration of Phenylephrine hydrochloride into eye tissue occurs easily and quickly - the pupil after the injection procedure can dilate within 10-60 minutes.
Within 30-50 minutes, pigment particles of the iris can be found in the fluid in the area of the anterior chamber of the eye.
Phenylephrine hydrochloride, after entering the body by injection, is processed in the gastrointestinal tract and liver, and is excreted quickly enough from the body by the kidneys.
Indications
The instructions for use of phenylephrine hydrochloride indicate that it can be used both topically and internally. Indications for both options are:
- acute arterial hypotension;
- vascular insufficiency;
- development of a state of shock as a result of traumatic or toxic damage.
Also, the drug in the form of drops is prescribed by doctors to their patients when the symptom of red eye or glaucoma progresses. It is often used some time before surgery aimed at intervening in the area of the pupil and eyeball.
Eye drops. Features of application
Eye drops containing phenylephrine are also widely used in modern ophthalmology:
- to dilate the pupil during diagnostic procedures;
- for the prevention of iridocyclitis;
- A 10% solution is used before eye surgery in order to dilate the pupil as much as possible;
- to eliminate the so-called red eye syndrome;
- in the treatment of glaucomocyclic crises.
Contraindications
The use of phenylephrine hydrochloride is not permitted for all categories of patients. The list of restrictions includes people with the following problems:
- high blood pressure;
- arterial damage;
- atherosclerosis;
- heart failure;
- hyperthyroidism;
- angina pectoris;
- hepatic porphyria;
- hypertensive crisis.
These categories are strictly prohibited from using the drug. As for patients who are allowed to do this, but only after undergoing tests and consulting with a doctor, these include patients with diabetes mellitus, bradycardia, hypoxia and angle-closure glaucoma.
Compound
The basis of the composition is a substance that provides a therapeutic effect - phenylephrine hydrochloride.
1 ml of solution contains 25 mg, which corresponds to a concentration of 2.5%.
In the manufacture of pharmacological products, other chemical compounds are also used to promote better absorption of the active component:
- disodium edetate;
- benzalkonium chloride;
- sodium disulfite;
- sodium citrate dihydrate;
- sodium hydroxide;
- citric acid monohydrate;
- distilled water.
Side effects
Separately, it is worth considering the side effects of phenylephrine hydrochloride. As with any medication, this effect occurs, so you should not be afraid of it. The most common side effects include the following:
- arterial hypotension;
- dizziness;
- increased nervousness;
- irritability;
- general malaise;
- pain in the heart area;
- nausea.
In more advanced cases, ischemia or necrosis of soft tissue structures may occur. If the product is used on the eyes, burning or tearing may occur.
Instructions for use
The ophthalmic solution is used exclusively topically by injection into the conjunctival sac.
For iridocyclitis
The goal is to prevent the development and rupture of existing posterior synechiae .
Treatment of pathology is carried out according to the following scheme:
- single dose – 1 drop;
- number of instillations per day – 2-3 times.
With ophthalmoscopy
Use is limited to a single injection of ophthalmic solution.
- You can get the effect of mydriasis 20-30 minutes after instillation of one drop of Phenylephrine.
- The result lasts for 1-3 hours .
To prolong the dilation of the pupil, 1 more drop of the product is administered 1 hour after the first instillation.
Application and dosage
The specific method of use of the product in question depends on its release form. It is commercially available in the form of a solution for the nose and eyes, as well as injections. In addition to external use, it can also be taken orally, but only by adhering to the dosage rules - no more than 30 mg.
There are also rectal suppositories. They are inserted into the rectum twice a day. The most important thing is to empty your intestinal tract in advance.
Release form, trade names
This medicine is available in various forms and types.
Release options:
- Nasal drops – Mezaton, Nazol Baby, Polydexa.
- Solution for intravenous and intramuscular injections – Mezaton.
- Ophthalmic drops – Mezaton, Irifrin, Vizofrin.
The presented forms are preparations that contain an active substance. In some cases, phenylephrine may complement the action of other active ingredients.
special instructions
Some patients experience increased blood pressure when using the medicine. If this symptom appears along with problems such as tachycardia, heart rhythm disturbances, bradycardia, therapy should be stopped immediately.
Before starting to use the composition, you must stop driving and operating machinery for the duration of treatment. This is explained by the fact that the drug can interfere with these actions, thereby leading to adverse consequences for human health and life.
It is also important to know that this medication cannot be combined with alcohol. Under no circumstances should they be taken together.
ATTENTION!
The information on the page you are viewing is created for informational purposes only and does not in any way promote self-medication. The resource is intended to provide healthcare workers with additional information about certain medications, thereby increasing their level of professionalism. The use of the drug “Phenylephrine” necessarily requires consultation with a specialist, as well as his recommendations on the method of use and dosage of the medicine you have chosen.
Overdose
This phenomenon is extremely rare when using phenylephrine hydrochloride, but cases do occur. In such a situation, the patient is susceptible to tachycardia and progressive ventricular extrasystole. Also, the consequence of an overdose is heaviness in the limbs, increased pressure and pain in the head. It is quite possible to eliminate all this by using phentolamine intravenously.
Precautionary measures
When using the drug, you must adhere to the following precautions:
- For diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, use only a solution with a suitable expiration date. Expired medication reduces the therapeutic effect and provokes the development of complications.
- After opening the bottle, the product retains its properties for 3-4 weeks. After this, the remains must be disposed of.
- If more drops get inside the eye, it is recommended to rinse. Repeated instillation is carried out after 1 hour.
Reviews
Since the composition in question is in great demand, reviews are often received about it. As a rule, they are positive. Negative comments concern side effects, although they are recorded very rarely.
Medical experts note that drugs containing the active substance are famous for their high effectiveness. Doctors claim that they quite quickly cope with their main task - narrowing blood vessels, as well as eliminating swelling of the mucous membranes.
Patients also leave positive reviews about these products. They indicate that both medications for adults and nasal drops for children work well. Thanks to the positive results, people use medications for the whole family, which allows them to achieve recovery faster.
Restrictions on use
The start of any therapy should be accompanied by familiarization with the information specified in the annotation . Phenylephrine is no exception.
It is important to clarify what kind of drug it is, in what cases it is advisable to use it, and what contraindications the manufacturer warns about.
The product is not recommended for use if the following risk factors are present:
- allergies to one or more components of the composition;
- in old age;
- with glaucoma of closed-angle and narrow-angle type;
- with tachycardia;
- for severe cardiovascular diseases;
- if there are disturbances in the production of intraocular fluid;
- for arterial hypertension, which is accompanied by coronary artery disease, atrioventricular block (I-III degree), aortic aneurysm, arrhythmia;
- with hyperthyroidism;
- with hepatic porphyria;
- with congenital deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.
Restriction for use is also children under 6 years of age.
The manufacturer in the annotation indicates cases when the product can be used, but under strict supervision of medical personnel:
- combination therapy with monoamine oxidase inhibitors;
- diabetes;
- after surgical interventions;
- sickle cell anemia;
- wearing contact lenses.
Analogs
In conclusion, we need to look at the best phenylephrine hydrochloride analogues. These include the following:
- "Relief". A fairly effective remedy designed to combat hemorrhoids, it contains many useful components. First of all, it is worth noting shark liver oil, which has anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and hemostatic effects. The remaining components not only enhance this effect, but also help achieve the main goal - vasoconstriction. Thanks to this medication, each patient will be able to quickly deal with swelling of the mucous tissues, exudation, as well as the disturbing itching that occurs specifically with hemorrhoids.
- "Mezaton". An equally high-quality and effective product belongs to the category of alpha-agonists. It has virtually no effect on cardiac beta-adrenergic receptors and does not act as a catecholamine. This medication causes arterioles to narrow, thereby increasing blood pressure. Its difference from the previous drug is its longer action. At the same time, it has another important advantage - due to its use, the patient will not suffer from an increase in minute blood volume, as is the case with some other medications.
- "Irifrin." Almost the best sympathomimetic in its category, which has pronounced alpha-adrenergic activity. If you use it in the right dosage, you don’t have to worry about damage to the central nervous system. This remedy is intended for instillation into the organs of vision. When applied topically, it helps to dilate the pupil, as well as significantly improve the outflow of intraocular fluid. Moreover, this composition helps to narrow the vessels of the conjunctiva. It is also worth noting the stimulating effect of the drug on alpha-adrenergic receptors and a weak effect on beta-adrenergic receptors.
- "Visofrine." An excellent adrenergic agonist designed to provide a direct stimulating effect on alpha adrenergic receptors. It is usually used systemically. Thus, the drug promotes the narrowing of arterioles, as well as an increase in blood pressure and peripheral vascular resistance. Due to reflex bradycardia, cardiac output may decrease or not change at all. As for local use, in this case the medicinal composition not only has a vasoconstrictor effect, but also provokes mydriasis, and can also reduce intraocular pressure if the patient additionally suffers from open-angle glaucoma.
All these medicines also have many positive comments. They are purchased by people quite often, as they really give the desired effect. In addition, their cost is quite acceptable today for most consumers.
Price
The cost of the drip solution may differ from each other, as well as from similar drugs, depending on the area and region of sale.
Main drug | Price | Analogs | Price of analogues |
Phenylephrine (eye drops, 2.5%) | 199-505 rub. | Irifrin, 2.5%, 5 ml | 539-1259 rub. |
Phenylephrine (nasal drops) | 199-505 rub. | Adrianol (nasal drops, 10 ml) | 50-313 rub. |
Phenylephrine (injection solution) | 199-505 rub. | Mezaton (injection solution, 1 ml) | 37-119 rub. |
Before taking phenylephrine hydrochloride or other similar drugs, you should carefully read the instructions for use of the drug and consult with your doctor. It is also recommended to read reviews from patients who have used this medicine.