• Nasal congestion due to:
      • Common cold
      • Allergic rhinitis
      • Sinusitis
    • Sometimes used parenterally to treat hypotension (e.g., during anesthesia)
  • Dosage (Oral – typical for nasal congestion):
  • Adults and children ≥12 years: PO 10 mg every 4 hours (max: 60 mg/day)
  • Children 6–12 years: 5 mg every 4 hours (max: 30 mg/day)
  • Children <6 years: Not recommended unless advised by a physician
  • Dosage (Nasal spray):
    • 0.25% to 1% solution: 2–3 sprays in each nostril every 4 hours (max: 4 doses/day)
  • Tablets/capsules: 10 mg
  • Syrups: Typically 2.5–5 mg/5 mL
  • Nasal sprays: 0.25%, 0.5%, 1% solutions
  • For oral use: Take with or without food; avoid caffeine-containing products
  • For nasal spray: Do not use for more than 3 consecutive days (to prevent rebound congestion)
  • Class: Selective α1-adrenergic agonist
  • Action: Vasoconstricts nasal mucosa → reduces swelling and congestion
  • Oral bioavailability: Lower than pseudoephedrine due to first-pass metabolism
  • Onset: ~15–30 minutes

Duration: ~4 hours

  • Common (oral or nasal): Headache, dizziness, insomnia, restlessness, increased blood pressure
  • Nasal spray (local): Burning, stinging, dryness, rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) if overused

Serious (rare): Hypertension, arrhythmias, anxiety, palpitations

  • Hypersensitivity to phenylephrine
  • Severe hypertension or coronary artery disease
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) use within past 14 days
  • Closed-angle glaucoma (nasal spray caution)
  • Hypersensitivity to phenylephrine
  • Severe hypertension or coronary artery disease
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) use within past 14 days
  • Closed-angle glaucoma (nasal spray caution)

                                   Drug Status

Availability OTC
Pregnancy
  • Oral: Use with caution; generally avoided in the first trimester
Breastfeeding
  • use with caution
Schedule NO
BRAND NAME STRENGTH FORMULATION PACK SIZE MANUFACTURER DISTRIBUTOR
E-Cold 4mg/5mg Capsule 10’s Twokay Chemicals Twokay Chemicals