Phenylephrine formulations

Molecule
Woman smelling flowers

Phenylephrine is an alpha-1 adrenergic agonist

Phenylephrine is an alpha-1 adrenergic agonist with multiple actions when administered topically or systemically. In addition, phenylephrine opens up the nose by constricting the large nasal veins in the anterior part of the nose that control nasal airway resistance.11,3

Phenylephrine causes vasoconstriction of the nasal mucosa vasculature to improve nasal congestion1,2

  • Graph comparing improvement to airflow resistance between phenylephrine and placebo

    Graph comparing improvement to airflow resistance between phenylephrine and placebo

    Phenylephrine provided significant improvement to nasal airflow after 30 minutes.10

    Graph comparing phenylephrine vs placebo decongesting nasal passages

    Graph shows how effective phenylephrine 10mg is at decongesting the nasal passages.

    In a meta-analysis of seven crossover studies and a reanalysis of a parallel-group study in 113 patients with acute nasal congestion due to the common cold.2

    Phenylephrine 10 mg (1 x capsule) was significantly more effective (p <0.05) than placebo in reducing nasal airway resistance at 30 minutes after dosing.2

  • Women touching nose

    Compared to topical administration, oral intake of phenylephrine reduces the risk of rebound congestion

    When delivered systemically, decongestants such as phenylephrine may have a slower onset of action and a less dramatic constriction of small nasal blood vessels compared with when used topically, so they are less likely to cause rebound nasal congestion.4

  • Runny nose icon

    Phenylephrine is used to relieve cold and flu symptoms

    Phenylephrine may be used in combination with other active ingredients such as paracetamol, ascorbic acid, and guaifenesin to relieve the symptoms of the common cold or flu and cough.1,5

  • Pill icon

    The following adverse reactions have been observed in clinical trials with phenylephrine and may therefore represent the common adverse reactions with phenylephrine; Nervousness, headache, dizziness, insomnia, nausea and vomiting have been noted with the use of phenylephrine, as have acute angle closure glaucoma, immune system disorders such as allergic dermatitis, and dysuria or urinary retention.1

Discover the Panadol Cold & Flu range with phenylephrine

Panadol C&F Vapour Release packshot

Panadol Cold & Flu Vapour Release

Panadol Cold & Flu Vapour Release decongests the nose with phenylephrine. In addition, this product also contains Parcetamol, Ascorbic Acid for the relief of various cold and flu symptoms.12

Panadol C&F Day packshot

Panadol Cold & Flu Day

Panadol Cold & Flu Day decongests the nose with phenylephrine. In addition, this product also contains Paracetamol and Caffeine for the Day-Time relief of various cold and flu symptoms.14

Panadol Cold & Flu – Your Cold & Flu Partner

Flu Icon

The flu

Find out more about the flu.

Find out more

Panadol Cold & Flu icon

The Panadol Cold & Flu range

Find out how the Panadol Cold & Flu range can help your patients.

Find out more

Patient Resources icon

Patient care resources

Download resources for your patients.

Find out more