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Phenylephrine

Sudafed PE

RA
UR

Written by R. Author | Reviewed by Uche Ruth

Updated on June 10, 2024

Overview

Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) is a decongestant used to treat nasal and sinus congestion from allergies and the common cold. It's available over the counter as tablets and a liquid solution. Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) isn't a first-choice option for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding because there's a chance that it can affect the growing baby and the mother's milk supply. Side effects of phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) are typically mild and can include feeling anxious, headache, and nausea.

What is Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) used for?

  • Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure

How Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) works

Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) is a decongestant. It works by squeezing the blood vessels around your nose and sinuses, which helps to relieve congestion and pressure.

Pros and cons of Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)

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Pharmacist tips for Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)

  • Don't take phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) too close to bedtime because you might have a more difficulty falling asleep.
  • Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) can raise your blood pressure. If you have heart problems or high blood pressure, ask your provider if it's safe for you to take phenylephrine (Sudafed PE).
  • It's best to avoid or limit caffeine while taking phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) because this combination can raise your risk for side effects (e.g., fast heart rate, high blood pressure, difficulty sleeping).
  • Stop taking phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) and contact your provider if you get nervous, dizzy, sleepless, or if your symptoms don't get better within 7 days, or occur with a fever. These might be signs of a more serious medical condition.
  • Tell your provider or pharmacist about all the medications you're taking to make sure phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) is safe for you. Don't start any new medications while taking phenylephrine (Sudafed PE), especially other decongestants.
  • Don't take phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) if you're taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as selegiline (Eldepryl) or phenelzine (Nardil), within the past 2 weeks. This combination can cause dangerous changes to your blood pressure. If you have taken an MAOI in the past 2 weeks, contact your provider for other options to treat your symptoms.
  • Make sure to only use a medication dose cup or syringe from the pharmacy to measure out your dose. Don't use household spoons because they aren't accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose.
  • Store the liquid at room temperature in the original bottle it came in from the pharmacy.

What are the risks and warnings for Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)?

Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

High heart rate and blood pressure

  • Risk factors: Heart problems | High blood pressure

Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, even at recommended doses. If you have a history of heart conditions or high blood pressure, ask your provider if phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) is safe for you before taking it. If you get severe headaches, nosebleeds, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain while taking phenylephrine (Sudafed PE), stop the medication and seek medical attention right away.

Accidental overdose

Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) is a decongestant, which is in many other over-the-counter products. Taking more than one medication containing a decongestant can raise your risk for serious side effects, including high blood pressure, high heart rate, and headache. Tell your provider or pharmacist about the medications you take before starting phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) to make sure it's safe for you. Don't start any new medications while taking phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) without talking to your provider or pharmacist. To prevent an accidental overdose, read package labels carefully. If you're not sure if a product has a decongestant, ask your pharmacist.

Worsening of medical conditions

  • Risk factors: Heart problems | High blood pressure | Thyroid disease | Diabetes | Prostate problems

Don't take phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) if you have any of the risk factors listed above unless your provider said it is safe to do so. Taking phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) can worsen your condition(s) and cause serious side effects. Make sure your provider knows about all medical conditions you have or have had in the past before starting phenylephrine (Sudafed PE).

Strengths

Tablet

  • 10mg

Dosages

  • Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) tablet
    • Age 12 years and up: The typical dose is 10 mg by mouth every 4 hours. Don't take more than 60 mg in a 24-hour period.
    • Age under 12 years: Ask your child's provider.
  • Phenylephrine (Children's Sudafed PE) liquid: Each 5 mL of solution contains 2.5 mg of phenylephrine.
    • Age 6 to 11 years: The typical dose is 5 mg by mouth every 4 hours. Don't take more than 30 mg in a 24-hour period.
    • Age 4 to 5 years: The typical dose is 2.5 mg by mouth every 4 hours. Don't take more than 15 mg in a 24-hour period.
    • Age under 4 years of age: Do not use.

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6 Sudafed PE Side Effects You Should Know About
6 Sudafed PE Side Effects You Should Know About

Interactions

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) will not be safe for you to take.

Side-effects

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • High blood pressure or heart rate: chest pain, blurry vision, headache, fatigue

When do Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) possible side effects begin and end?

Time passed since treatment started:

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The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
  • Increase in blood pressure

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Anxiety, nervousness
  • Headache
  • Trouble sleeping

Common Concerns

How much phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) you can take per dose depends on your age, so make sure to read the manufacturer's label before you start. Typically, the adult dose is 10 mg of phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) taken by mouth every 4 hours. If you're also taking any OTC combination cough and cold medications, make sure to read the ingredients on the label carefully. Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) can be found in these combination products, so it's important that the total dose of phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) doesn't go over what's recommended by the manufacturer.
Yes, it's possible for phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) to cause difficulty sleeping (insomnia) and keep you awake. If you're having trouble going or staying asleep, try to avoid taking phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) in the evening or too close to bedtime.
No, phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) isn't a stimulant. But it might cause some stimulant-like side effects, such as high blood pressure, fast heart rate, and restlessness. If you're currently taking a stimulant medication, such as medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), talk with your provider before you start phenylephrine (Sudafed PE). They might recommend home remedies, like using a humidifier or nasal saline rinses, to help with your nasal congestion in order to lower your risk of serious side effects.
Yes, phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) can possibly raise your blood pressure. Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) treats congestion by squeezing the blood vessels in your nose and sinuses, but it also squeezes the blood vessels throughout your body, which can raise blood pressure. Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) isn't likely to cause blood pressure at recommended doses. But you're more likely to experience high blood pressure if you've heart problems or are taking other medications that can raise blood pressure. If you have a history of heart problems, ask your provider if phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) is safe for you.
If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, don't take phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) until you've talked to your provider first. Information about the safety of phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) during pregnancy is mixed. A study showed phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) can raise the risk of birth defects and harm your unborn baby. But another study found decongestants similar to phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) didn't cause birth defects. If you're experiencing nasal congestion while pregnant, your provider will likely recommend that you try home remedies, like using a humidifier, first.
It's unclear how safe phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) is during breastfeeding because it hasn't been well-studied. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can potentially dry up your breast milk production, so it's possible phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) can as well. Talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of using phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) while breastfeeding.
You should wait until you're fully recovered and no longer taking phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) before you drink alcohol. While alcohol doesn't directly interact with phenylephrine (Sudafed PE), it's best to avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking this medication. If you're fighting off a cold or flu, alcohol can weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to recover. In addition, research shows that drinking alcohol can also make your nasal congestion worse. If you've more questions about phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) and alcohol, talk with your provider.
Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) are both taken by mouth to treat congestion. But pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are different medications. While they work in similar ways to help you breathe better, most researchers agree that pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) provides better congestion relief than phenylephrine (Sudafed PE). This is likely because your body might absorb pseudoephedrine better. Keep in mind that you can only purchase pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) at the pharmacy counter, while you can find phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) among the over-the-counter products on the shelves at your local pharmacy. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is a restricted medication because it has the potential for misuse. Ask your pharmacist if you have more questions about the differences between pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE).

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