Phenylephrine

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Sections available in full article Name, Class of drug, Description, Uses, Administration, Routes of administration, Dosage, Precautions, Use with care, Interactions, Adverse reactions, Sources, Publications,
Contributors Dr Sheryl Krohne DVM MS DipACVO
Dr Dennis E Brooks DVM PhD DipACVO

Name

  • Phenylephrine.

Class of drug

  • Alpha-1 selective adrenergic agonist.

Uses

Action

  • An alpha-1 selective adrenergic agonist which causes peripheral vasoconstriction when given IV. This results in increased diastolic and systolic blood pressure, a small decrease in cardiac output and an increased circulation time Therapeutics: cardiovascular.
  • Has minimal effects on cardiac beta receptors.

Indications

  • Used in conjunction with fluid therapy, to treat hypotension secondary to drug overdose.
  • Used to slow conjuctival hemorrhage during surgery. It is used before some types of intra-ocular surgery to blanch conjuctival vessels.
  • When applied topically to the eye phenylephrine causes vasoconstriction and pupil dilation. It is indicated for some diagnostic eye examinations, such as diagnosing Horner's syndrome Horners syndrome.

Adverse reactions

Other reported reactions

  • Hypertension, tachycardia or reflex bradycardia.
  • Corneal clouding (patients receiving phenylephrine where the corneal epithelium is denuded or damaged).

Treatment



Extravasation injuries
  • May be treated with phentolamine Phentolamine.

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