phenylephrine

noun

phen·​yl·​eph·​rine ˌfe-nᵊl-ˈe-ˌfrēn 

-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 can potentially interact with phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine as well. —Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 3 Mar. 2025

Certain people should avoid taking phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, or both. —Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 3 Mar. 2025

Few contained oral phenylephrine, perhaps because manufacturers privately questioned its effectiveness. —Randy Hatton, Scientific American, 21 Dec. 2023

Nasal sprays containing phenylephrine are also a good way to manage congestion—but Dr. Johnson advises against using them for more than a few days to avoid becoming dependent on them. —Ashley Abramson, SELF, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

phenyl + epinephrine

First Known Use

circa 1947, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for phenylephrine

• acetylene
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• antipyrine
• apomorphine
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• buprenorphine
• chlorobenzene

Medical Definition

phenylephrine

noun

phen·​yl·​eph·​rine ˌfen-ᵊl-ˈef-ˌrēn, -rən 

: 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.