PharmGKB: The Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base

Drug/Small Molecule:
phenylephrine

2D structure

Overview

Generic Names: Fenilefrina [INN-Spanish]; L-Phenylephedrine; L-Phenylephrine; M-Methylaminoethanolphenol; M-Oxedrine; Metaoxedrin; Metaoxedrine; Metaoxedrinum; Metasynephrine; Phenylephrinum [INN-Latin]
Trade Names: AK-Dilate; AK-Nefrin; Adrianol; Alcon Efrin; Alconefrin Nasal Drops 12; Alconefrin Nasal Drops 25; Alconefrin Nasal Drops 50; Alconefrin Nasal Spray 25; Biomydrin; Dilatair; Dimetane; Dionephrine; Doktors; Duration; I-Phrine; Isophrim; Isophrin; Isopto Frin; M-Sympathol; M-Sympatol; M-Synephrine; Mesaton; Mesatone; Mesatonum; Metasympatol; Metsatonum; Mezaton; Minims Phenylephrine; Mydfrin; Neo-Synephrine; Neo-Synephrine Nasal Drops; Neo-Synephrine Nasal Jelly; Neo-Synephrine Nasal Spray; Neofrin; Neophryn; Neosynephrine; Nostril; Nostril Spray Pump; Nostril Spray Pump Mild; Ocu-Phrin Sterile Eye Drops; Ocugestrin; Phenoptic; Prefrin; Prefrin Liquifilm; Pyracort D; Relief Eye Drops for Red Eyes; Rhinall; Spersaphrine; Vicks Sinex; Visadron
Brand Mixtures: AK Vernacon Oph Soln (Pheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride); Biohisdex DM Decongestant (Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide + Diphenylpyraline Hydrochloride + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride); Biohisdine DM Decongestant (Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide + Diphenylpyraline Hydrochloride + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride); Chemhisdex DM Decongestant (Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide + Diphenylpyraline Hydrochloride + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride); Chemhisdine DM Decongestant (Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide + Diphenylpyraline Hydrochloride + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride); Citron Chaud Cumberland Pws (Acetaminophen + Pheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Vitamin C); Citron Chaud DM Cumberland Pws (Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide + Pheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Vitamin C); Codalin (Codeine Phosphate + Diphenylpyraline Hydrochloride + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride); Cold & Allergy (Brompheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride); Cold & Allergy Relief - Liq (Brompheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride); Cough, Cold & Allergy Relief (Brompheniramine Maleate + Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride); DayQuil (Acetaminophen + Dextromethorphan + Phenylephrine); Decongestant Antihistaminic Syrup (Brompheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride); Dimetane Expectorant Liq (Brompheniramine Maleate + Guaifenesin + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride); Dimetane Expectorant-C Syr (Brompheniramine Maleate + Codeine Phosphate + Guaifenesin + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride); Dimetane Expectorant-DC Syr (Brompheniramine Maleate + Guaifenesin + Hydrocodone Bitartrate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride); Dimetapp (Brompheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride); Dimetapp Cold & Sinus (Acetaminophen + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride); Dimetapp DM Elixir (Brompheniramine Maleate + Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride); Dimetapp DM Tab (Brompheniramine Maleate + Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride); Dimetapp Elixir (Brompheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride); Dimetapp Extentabs (Brompheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride); Dimetapp Extra Strength (Brompheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride); Dimetapp Oral Infant Cold Drops (Brompheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride); Dimetapp Oral Infant Drops (Brompheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride); Dimetapp Tab (Brompheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride); Dimetapp-C Syr (Brompheniramine Maleate + Codeine Phosphate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride); Hemorrhoidal Ointment (Mineral Oil + Petrolatum + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Shark Liver Oil); Hot Lemon Relief DM Adult (Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide + Pheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride); Hot Lemon Relief Pws (Acetaminophen + Pheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Vitamin C); Hot Lemon Relief for Cold Symptoms Ext Str (Acetaminophen + Pheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Vitamin C); Hot Lemon Relief for Cold Symptoms Pws (Acetaminophen + Pheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Vitamin C); Hot Lemon for Colds Powder (Acetaminophen + Pheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Vitamin C); Lemon Relief for Adults (Acetaminophen + Pheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride); Lemon Time (Acetaminophen + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Pyrilamine Maleate + Vitamin C); Neo Citran Extra Strength (Acetaminophen + Pheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride); Neo Citran Nutrasweet (Acetaminophen + Pheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride); Neo Citran Powder (Acetaminophen + Pheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Vitamin C); Neo Citran a Powder (Pheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Vitamin C); Neo Synephrine Nasal Spray (Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Thenyldiamine Hcl.); Neo-Synephrine Nasal Spray (Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Thenyldiamine Hcl.); Nezger Tab (Acetylsalicylic Acid + Diphenylpyraline Hydrochloride + Guaifenesin + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride); Novahistex C (Codeine Phosphate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride); Novahistex Dh Expectorant (Guaifenesin + Hydrocodone Bitartrate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride); Occu-Cal Drops (Boric Acid + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Sodium Borate); Occu-Cal Lotion (Boric Acid + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Sodium Borate); Pharmetapp Elixir (Brompheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride); Phenergan VC Expectorant Syr (Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Potassium Guaiacol Sulphonate + Promethazine Hydrochloride); Phenergan VC Expectorant W Codeine Liq (Codeine Phosphate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Potassium Guaiacol Sulphonate + Promethazine Hydrochloride); Soframycin Nasal Spray (Framycetin Sulfate + Gramicidin + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride); Tantapp Elixir (Brompheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride); Vasosulf Oph Soln (Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Sulfacetamide Sodium)
PharmGKB Accession Id: PA450935

Description

An alpha-adrenergic agonist used as a mydriatic, nasal decongestant, and cardiotonic agent. PubChem (source: Drug Bank)

Indication

For the treatment of ophthalmic disorders (hyperaemia of conjunctiva, posterior synechiae, acute atopic), nasal congestion, hemorrhoids, hypotension, shock, hypotension during spinal anesthesia, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. It is also used as an aid in the diagnosis of heart murmurs and for prolongation of spinal anesthesia (source: Drug Bank)

ATC Therapeutic Categories

  • C01CA:Adrenergic and dopaminergic agents
  • C05AX:Other agents for treatment of hemorrhoids and anal fissures for topical use
  • R01AA:Sympathomimetics, plain
  • R01AB:Sympathomimetics, combinations excl. corticosteroids
  • R01BA:Sympathomimetics
  • S01FB:Sympathomimetics excl. antiglaucoma preparations
  • S01GA:Sympathomimetics used as decongestants

Pharmacology, Interactions, and Contraindications

Mechanism Of Action

Phenylephrine produces its ophthalmic and systemic actions by acting on alpha 1 adrenergic receptors in the pupillary dilator muscle and the vascular smooth musle, resulting in contraction of the dilator muscle and contraction of the smooth muscle in the arterioles of the conjunctiva and peripheral vasoconstriction. Phenylephrine decreases nasal congestion by acting on alpha 1 adrenergic receptors in the arterioles of the nasal mucosa to produce constriction. (source: Drug Bank)

Pharmacology

Phenylephrine is a powerful vasoconstrictor. It is used as a mydriatic, nasal decongestant, and cardiotonic agent. Phenylephrine is a postsynaptic alpha-receptor stimulant with little effect on the beta receptors of the heart. Parenteral administration of Phenylephrine causes a rise in systolic and diastolic pressures, cardiac output is slightly decreased and peripheral resistance is considerably increased, most vascular beds are constricted; renal, splanchnic, cutaneous, and limb blood flows are reduced but coronary blood flow is increased. Pulmonary vessels are constricted, and pulmonary arterial pressure is raised. This alpha receptor sympathetic agonist is also used locally because its vasoconstrictor and mydriatic action. (source: Drug Bank)

Food Interactions

Take without regard to meals. (source: Drug Bank)

Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Elimination & Toxicity

Biotransformation

Oral phenylephrine is extensively metabolised by monoamine oxidase, an enzyme which is present in the stomach and liver. (source: Drug Bank)

Protein Binding

95% binding-plasma proteins (source: Drug Bank)

Absorption

Reduced bioavailability (compared to pseudoephedrine) following oral administration due to significant first-pass metabolism. (source: Drug Bank)

Isomeric SMILES Code:

CNC[C@@H](c1cccc(c1)O)O (source: Drug Bank)

The following genes are in curated knowledge about this drug.

  Gene Relationship Evidence
Phenotype data available Genotype Data Available Literature annotations available Has annotations
ACE
  •   
  • PD
  •   
  • FA
  •   
Publications
Phenotype data available Genotype Data Available Literature annotations available Not annotated
NOS3
  • CO
  • PD
  •   
  •   
  • GN
Publications

A list of non-curated publications that mention this drug along with other genes is available.

Drug Targets

Gene Description
ADRA1A Uncurated Annotation (source: Drug Bank)
ADRA1B Uncurated Annotation (source: Drug Bank)

A list of non-curated publications that mention this drug along with other drugs is available.

Drug Interactions

Drug Description
Methyldopa Uncurated Annotation Increased arterial pressure (source: Drug Bank)
alseroxylon Uncurated Annotation Increased arterial pressure (source: Drug Bank)
amitriptyline Uncurated Annotation The tricyclic increases the sympathomimetic effect (source: Drug Bank)
amoxapine Uncurated Annotation The tricyclic increases the sympathomimetic effect (source: Drug Bank)
clomipramine Uncurated Annotation The tricyclic increases the sympathomimetic effect (source: Drug Bank)
deserpidine Uncurated Annotation Increased arterial pressure (source: Drug Bank)
desipramine Uncurated Annotation The tricyclic increases the sympathomimetic effect (source: Drug Bank)
doxepin Uncurated Annotation The tricyclic increases the sympathomimetic effect (source: Drug Bank)
ergonovine Uncurated Annotation Possible marked increase of arterial pressure (source: Drug Bank)
guanethidine Uncurated Annotation The agent decreases the effect of guanethidine (source: Drug Bank)
imipramine Uncurated Annotation The tricyclic increases the sympathomimetic effect (source: Drug Bank)
isocarboxazid Uncurated Annotation Increased arterial pressure (source: Drug Bank)
l-methyldopa Uncurated Annotation Increased arterial pressure (source: Drug Bank)
linezolid Uncurated Annotation Possible increase of arterial pressure (source: Drug Bank)
methylergonovine Uncurated Annotation Possible marked increase of arterial pressure (source: Drug Bank)
midodrine Uncurated Annotation Increased arterial pressure (source: Drug Bank)
moclobemide Uncurated Annotation Moclobemide increases the sympathomimetic effect (source: Drug Bank)
nortriptyline Uncurated Annotation The tricyclic increases the sympathomimetic effect (source: Drug Bank)
oxytocin Uncurated Annotation Possible marked increase of arterial pressure (source: Drug Bank)
pargyline Uncurated Annotation Increased arterial pressure (source: Drug Bank)
phenelzine Uncurated Annotation Increased arterial pressure (source: Drug Bank)
protriptyline Uncurated Annotation The tricyclic increases the sympathomimetic effect (source: Drug Bank)
rasagiline Uncurated Annotation Increased arterial pressure (source: Drug Bank)
reserpine Uncurated Annotation Increased arterial pressure (source: Drug Bank)
tranylcypromine Uncurated Annotation Increased arterial pressure (source: Drug Bank)
trimipramine Uncurated Annotation The tricyclic increases the sympathomimetic effect (source: Drug Bank)

Curated Information

The following diseases are in curated knowledge about this drug.

  Disease Relationship Evidence
No phenotype data No genotype data Literature annotations available Not annotated
Angina Pectoris
  •   
  • PD
  •   
  •   
  • GN
Publications
Phenotype data available Genotype Data Available Literature annotations available Not annotated
Cardiovascular Diseases
  • CO
  • PD
  •   
  • FA
  • GN
Publications
No phenotype data No genotype data Literature annotations available Not annotated
Coronary Artery Disease
  • CO
  • PD
  •   
  •   
  • GN
Publications
No phenotype data No genotype data Literature annotations available Not annotated
Coronary Disease
  • CO
  • PD
  •   
  •   
  • GN
Publications
No phenotype data No genotype data Literature annotations available Not annotated
Heart Failure
  • CO
  • PD
  •   
  •   
  • GN
Publications
Phenotype data available Genotype Data Available Literature annotations available Not annotated
Hypertension
  •   
  • PD
  •   
  •   
  • GN
Publications
No phenotype data No genotype data Literature annotations available Not annotated
Hypotension
  •   
  • PD
  •   
  • FA
  •   
Publications

Non-Curated Information

A list of non-curated publications that mention this drug along with other diseases is available.

Curated Phenotype Datasets

These datasets are sorted alphabetically by title.

  1. Blood pressure measurements
    • Genotype data available
    • Phenotype data available
    • No literature annotations
    • Not annotated
    • PD
    Submitted by Daniel T. O'Connor, MD involving ADRB2, acetylcholine, isoproterenol, NG-monomethyl-l-arginine, phenylephrine, and Cardiovascular Diseases

Downloads

You must sign in before you can download data.

LinkOuts

Web Resource:
Wikipedia
DrugBank:
DB00388
ChEBI ID:
8093
KEGG Compound ID:
C07441
PubChem Compound ID:
6041
PubChem Substance ID:
9645
IUPHAR Ligand ID:
485

Common Searches

Search PubMed
Search Medline Plus
Search PubChem
Search CTD

Non-Curated Publications

A list of non-curated publications that mention this drug is available.

PharmGKB integrates drug information from different sources: DrugBank, Open Eye Scientific Software.
Add New Alternate Name
Add New ATC Term
Add Cross Reference
Add a metabolite
Add a text annotation
Add a drug target
hint: enter a gene
    Add a drug interaction
    hint: enter a drug
    PharmGKB® is a registered trademark of HHS and is financially supported by NIH/NIGMS. It is managed at Stanford University (GM61374).
    ©2001-2010 PharmGKB.