Phenylephrine: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Phenylephrine is a decongestant and pupil-dilating agent. It is used for nasal congestion, common cold and eye examination. In Pakistan it is available as drops and injections, made by 3 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Phenylephrine works

Phenylephrine stimulates alpha receptors on blood vessels, causing them to narrow. In the nose this reduces swelling of the lining and opens the airway. In the eye it makes the muscle that widens the pupil contract.

What is Phenylephrine used for?

• Nasal congestion
• Common cold
• Eye examination

Phenylephrine is used as a decongestant in many cold and flu remedies and nasal sprays to relieve a blocked nose and sinus congestion. As eye drops, it is used by eye specialists to widen the pupil for eye examinations and before some eye operations. It eases symptoms but does not treat the underlying cold.

Side effects of Phenylephrine

Not everyone gets side effects from Phenylephrine. Those that can occur include:

• Headache
• Restlessness or difficulty sleeping
• Raised blood pressure
• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Stinging and blurred vision (eye drops)
• Sensitivity to light (eye drops)

Stop using it and get medical help if you have a severe headache, chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or sudden eye pain with blurred vision.

Precautions and warnings

• Avoid it if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or an overactive thyroid, and speak to your doctor first if you have diabetes, an enlarged prostate or glaucoma.
• Do not take it if you have used an MAOI antidepressant in the last two weeks.
• Do not combine it with other cold remedies that also contain a decongestant.
• Nasal decongestant sprays should only be used for a few days, as longer use can make congestion worse.
• Check with a pharmacist before giving it to children, or using it in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions about Phenylephrine

What is the price of Phenylephrine in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Phenylephrine products currently in stock range from Rs 66 to Rs 439 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Ethifrin 10% Drops at Rs 66. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Phenylephrine are available in Pakistan?

Phenylephrine is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Synephrine (Atco Laboratories Ltd), Ethifrin (Ethical Laboratories) and Mediphrine (Medipak).

Do I need a prescription for Phenylephrine?

Phenylephrine is generally available without a prescription. Read the leaflet before use and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially for children, during pregnancy, or if you take other medicines.

Can Phenylephrine be used during pregnancy?

Check with a pharmacist before giving it to children, or using it in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Are all Phenylephrine brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Phenylephrine in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Phenylephrine brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 4 products containing Phenylephrine from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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