phenylephrine

noun

phen·​yl·​eph·​rine ˌfe-nᵊl-ˈe-ˌfrēn 

-frən

: a sympathomimetic agent C₉H₁₃NO₂ that is used in the form of its hydrochloride as a vasoconstrictor, a mydriatic, a nasal decongestant, and by injection to raise the blood pressure

Examples of phenylephrine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ephedrine and phenylephrine, medications for low blood pressure that are commonly prescribed during C-sections, have caused false positives for meth. —Shoshana Walter, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024

Congestion Green explained that decongestants that don’t contain phenylephrine can help people with stuffy noses. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024

Last year, the FDA recommended that phenylephrine, a decongestant in many popular cold medicines that’s been proven to be ineffective when taken orally, be removed from pharmacy shelves. —Keren Landman, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

Popular nasal decongestants contain phenylephrine and oxymetazoline to lower swelling from blood vessels to open airways. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

phenyl + epinephrine

First Known Use

circa 1947, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

phenylephrine

noun

phen·​yl·​eph·​rine ˌfen-ᵊl-ˈef-ˌrēn, -rən 

: a sympathomimetic agent with vasoconstrictive properties that is used in the form of its hydrochloride C₉H₁₃NO₂·HCl especially as a nasal decongestant and mydriatic and to raise blood pressure

Note: Trademarks for preparations containing phenylephrine include Actifed and Neo-Synephrine.