What it means
An alpha-1 adrenergic agonist. Given IV, it raises blood pressure, often during anesthesia, by narrowing blood vessels; the heart rate may slow in response. As a nasal spray it shrinks swollen nasal tissue, and as eye drops it widens the pupil for eye exams. It is also in some oral cold medicines, though it does little as a decongestant when swallowed. IV phenylephrine is on ISMP's high-alert list (IV adrenergic agonists); the nose sprays, eye drops and tablets are not.
For the nurse
For IV use, give through a pump with blood pressure and heart rate checked often. If it leaks out of the vein it can kill the tissue, so check the site often and stop the infusion and notify the provider at the first sign of leakage. Teach that nasal sprays used more than 3 days can cause rebound stuffiness.
At a glance
| Drug class | alpha-1 adrenergic agonist (vasopressor, decongestant) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Neo-Synephrine, Biorphen |
| Spanish | fenilefrina |
| Also written | Neo-Synephrine, Biorphen |
Related terms
hypotension
Blood pressure lower than normal, generally below 90/60 mm Hg in an adult.
norepinephrine
A hormone and nerve messenger that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure, also given as an IV drug.
pseudoephedrine
A decongestant taken by mouth that shrinks swollen blood vessels in the nose to ease a stuffy nose.