phenylephrine

noun

phen·​yl·​eph·​rine ˌfe-nᵊl-ˈe-ˌfrēn How to pronounce phenylephrine (audio)
-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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The combination of acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine is better at alleviating the common cold symptoms. Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 17 July 2024 Oral phenylephrine, the active ingredient in decongestants sold in the U.S. since 2005, doesn't work. Laura Helmuth, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2024 Roughly two decades ago, oral phenylephrine began proliferating on pharmacy shelves despite mounting—and now damning—evidence that the drug simply does not work. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2023 The panel’s vote tees up a likely decision by the agency on whether to essentially ban the ingredient, phenylephrine, which would result in pulling hundreds of products containing it from store shelves. Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for phenylephrine 

Word History

Etymology

phenyl + epinephrine

First Known Use

circa 1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phenylephrine was circa 1947

Dictionary Entries Near phenylephrine

Cite this Entry

“Phenylephrine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenylephrine. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

phenylephrine

noun
phen·​yl·​eph·​rine ˌfen-ᵊl-ˈef-ˌrēn, -rən How to pronounce phenylephrine (audio)
: 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.

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