From the FDA-approved label for phenylephrine hydrochloride injection, solution. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Mar 31, 2026
Indications and usage▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Phenylephrine Hydrochloride in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is indicated for increasing blood pressure in adults with clinically important hypotension resulting primarily from vasodilation in the setting of anesthesia. Phenylephrine Hydrochloride in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist indicated for increasing blood pressure in adults with clinically important hypotension resulting primarily from vasodilation, in the setting of anesthesia ( 1 )
Dosage and administration▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Do NOT dilute prior to administration ( 2.1 ) Dosing for Perioperative Hypotension Intravenous bolus administration: 50 mcg to 250 mcg ( 2.2 ) Intravenous continuous infusion: 0.5 mcg/kg/minute to 1.4 mcg/kg/minute titrated to effect ( 2.2 ) 2.1 General Administration Instructions During Phenylephrine Hydrochloride in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, 80 mcg/mL (20 mg/250 mL) administration: Correct intravascular volume depletion. Correct acidosis. Acidosis may reduce the effectiveness of phenylephrine Phenylephrine Hydrochloride in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, 80 mcg/mL (20 mg/250 mL) is supplied as a premixed, ready to administer product that requires no further dilution prior to infusion. Parenteral drug products should be inspected for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not use if the solution is coloured or cloudy, or if it contains particulate matter. Discard any unused portion. 2.2 Recommended Dosage In adult patients undergoing surgical procedures with either neuraxial anesthesia or general anesthesia: 50 mcg to 250 mcg by intravenous bolus administration. The most frequently reported initial bolus dose is 50 mcg or 100 mcg. 0.5 mcg/kg/min to 1.4 mcg/kg/min by intravenous continuous infusion, titrated to blood pressure goal. Do not exceed 200 mcg/min.
Contraindications▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Injection, 80 mcg/mL is contraindicated in patients with: Hypersensitivity to the product or any of its components Hypersensitivity to it or any of its components ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Severe bradycardia and decreased cardiac output ( 5.2 ) Extravasation : during intravenous administration may cause necrosis or sloughing of tissue ( 5.4 ) Concomitant use with oxytocic drugs : pressor effect of sympathomimetic pressor amines is potentiated ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Exacerbation of Angina, Heart Failure, or Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Because of its pressor effects, phenylephrine hydrochloride can precipitate angina in patients with severe arteriosclerosis or history of angina, exacerbate underlying heart failure, and increase pulmonary arterial pressure. 5.2 Bradycardia Phenylephrine hydrochloride can cause severe bradycardia and decreased cardiac output. 5.3 Risk in Patients with Autonomic Dysfunction The pressor response to adrenergic drugs, including phenylephrine, can be increased in patients with autonomic dysfunction, as may occur with spinal cord injuries. 5.4 Skin and Subcutaneous Necrosis Extravasation of phenylephrine can cause necrosis or sloughing of tissue. Avoid extravasation by checking infusion site for free flow. 5.5 Pressor Effect with Concomitant Oxytocic Drugs Oxytocic drugs potentiate the pressor effect of sympathomimetic pressor amines including phenylephrine hydrochloride [ see Drug Interactions (7.1) ], with the potential for hemorrhagic stroke. 5.6 Peripheral and Visceral Ischemia Phenylephrine hydrochloride can cause excessive peripheral and visceral vasoconstriction and ischemia to vital organs, particularly in patients with extensive peripheral vascular disease. 5.7 Renal Toxicity Phenylephrine hydrochloride can increase the need for renal replacement therapy in patients with septic shock. Monitor renal function.
Drug interactions▾
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Agonistic effects with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), β-adrenergic blocking agents, α-2 adrenergic agonists, steroids, tricyclic antidepressants, norepinephrine transport inhibitors, ergot alkaloids, centrally-acting sympatholytic agents and atropine sulfate ( 7.1 ) Antagonistic effects on and by α-adrenergic blocking agents ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Agonists The pressor effect of phenylephrine hydrochloride is increased in patients receiving: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), such as selegiline. Oxytocin and oxytocic drugs β-adrenergic blockers α-2 adrenergic agonists, such as clonidine Steroids Tricyclic antidepressants Norepinephrine transport inhibitors, such as atomoxetine Ergot alkaloids, such as methylergonovine maleate Centrally-acting sympatholytic agents, such as guanfacine or reserpine Atropine sulfate 7.2 Antagonists α-adrenergic blocking agents, including phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine) and amiodarone block phenylephrine and are in turn blocked by phenylephrine.
Adverse reactions▾
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions associated with the use of phenylephrine hydrochloride were identified in the literature. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency reliably or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Cardiac disorders: Bradycardia, AV block, ventricular extrasystoles, myocardial ischemia Gastrointestinal disorders : Nausea, vomiting General disorders and administrative site conditions: Chest pain, extravasation Nervous system disorders : Headache, nervousness, paresthesia, tremor Psychiatric disorders: Excitability Respiratory : Pulmonary edema, rales Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Diaphoresis, pallor, piloerection, skin blanching, skin necrosis with extravasation Vascular disorders: Hypertensive crisis Most common adverse reactions: nausea and vomiting, headache, nervousness ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Inc., at 1-888-375-3784 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Use in pregnancy▾
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Data from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses with phenylephrine hydrochloride injection use in pregnant women during caesarean section have not established a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. These studies have not identified an adverse effect on maternal outcomes or infant Apgar scores [see Data]. There are no data on the use of phenylephrine during the first or second trimester. In animal reproduction and development studies in normotensive animals, evidence of fetal malformations was noted when phenylephrine was administered during organogenesis via a 1-hour infusion at 1.2 times a human daily dose (HDD) of 10 mg/60 kg/day. Decreased pup weights were noted in offspring of pregnant rats treated with 2.9 times the HDD [See Data]. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryofetal Risk Untreated hypotension associated with spinal anesthesia for cesarean section is associated with an increase in maternal nausea and vomiting. A sustained decrease in uterine blood flow due to maternal hypotension may result in fetal bradycardia and acidosis. Data Human Data Published randomized controlled trials over several decades, which compared the use of phenylephrine injection to other similar agents in pregnant women during cesarean section, have not identified adverse maternal or infant outcomes. At recommended doses, phenylephrine does not appear to affect fetal heart rate or fetal heart variability to a significant degree. There are no studies on the safety of phenylephrine injection exposure during the period of organogenesis, and therefore, it is not possible to draw any conclusions on the risk of birth defects following exposure to phenylephrine injection during pregnancy. In addition, there are no data on the risk of miscarriage following fetal exposure to phenylephrine injection. Animal Data No clear malformations or fetal toxicity were reported when normotensive pregnant rabbits were treated with phenylephrine via continuous intravenous infusion over 1 hour (0.5 mg/kg/day; approximately equivalent to a HDD based on body surface area) from Gestation Day 7 to 19. At this dose, which demonstrated no maternal toxicity, there was evidence of developmental delay (altered ossification of sternebra). In a non-GLP dose range-finding study in normotensive pregnant rabbits, fetal lethality and cranial, paw, and limb malformations were noted following treatment with 1.2 mg/kg/day of phenylephrine via continuous intravenous infusion over 1 hour (2.3-times the HDD). This dose was clearly maternally toxic (increased mortality and significant body weight loss). An increase in the incidence of limb malformation (hyperextension of the forepaw) coincident with high fetal mortality was noted in a single litter at 0.6 mg/kg/day (1.2-times the HDD) in the absence of maternal toxicity. No malformations or embryo-fetal toxicity were reported when normotensive pregnant rats were treated with up to 3 mg/kg/day phenylephrine via continuous intravenous infusion over 1 hour (2.9-times the HDD) from Gestation Day 6 to 17. This dose was associated with some maternal toxicity (decreased food consumption and body weights). Decreased pup weights were reported in a pre- and postnatal development toxicity study in which normotensive pregnant rats were administered phenylephrine via continuous intravenous infusion over 1 hour (0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 mg/kg/day; 0.29, 1, or 2.9 times the HDD) from Gestation Day 6 through Lactation Day 21). No adverse effects on growth and development (learning and memory, sexual development, and fertility) were noted in the offspring of pregnant rats at any dose tested. Maternal toxicities (mortality late in gestation and during lactation period, decreased food consumption and body weight) occurred at 1 and 3 mg/kg/day of phenylephrine (equivalent to and 2.9 times the HDD, respectively).
Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.