(fen il EF rin)
For OTC use as treatment of hemorrhoids
Hypersensitivity to phenylephrine or any component of the formulation; hypertension; ventricular tachycardia
Hemorrhoids: Rectal:
Ointment: Apply to clean, dry area up to 4 times/day
Suppository: Insert 1 suppository rectally up to 4 times/day
Refer to adult dosing.
Hemorrhoids: Children >12 years: Refer to adult dosing.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Ointment, Rectal, as hydrochloride:
GRX Hemorrhoidal: 0.25% (43 g) [contains benzoic acid, methylparaben, propylparaben]
Hemorrhoidal: 0.25% (57 g) [contains benzoic acid, methylparaben, propylparaben]
Major-Prep Hemorrhoidal: 0.25% (57 g) [contains methylparaben, propylparaben]
Preparation H: 0.25% (28 g, 57 g) [contains benzoic acid, methylparaben, propylparaben]
Rectacaine: 0.25% (30 g [DSC])
Suppository, Rectal, as hydrochloride:
Anu-Med: 0.25% (12 ea)
Hem-Prep: 0.25% (24 ea [DSC])
Hemorrhoidal: 0.25% (12 ea, 24 ea) [contains methylparaben, propylparaben]
Preparation H: 0.25% (12 ea, 24 ea, 48 ea) [contains methylparaben, propylparaben]
Rectacaine: 0.25% (12 ea)
Alpha1-Blockers: May diminish the vasoconstricting effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Similarly, Alpha1-Agonists may antagonize Alpha1-Blocker vasodilation. Monitor therapy
AtoMOXetine: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. AtoMOXetine may enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy
Cannabinoid-Containing Products: May enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Exceptions: Cannabidiol. Monitor therapy
Doxofylline: Sympathomimetics may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Doxofylline. Monitor therapy
Ergot Derivatives: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Ergot Derivatives may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Exceptions: Ergoloid Mesylates; Nicergoline. Avoid combination
Iobenguane I 123: Sympathomimetics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Iobenguane I 123. Avoid combination
Linezolid: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Management: Reduce initial doses of sympathomimetic agents, and closely monitor for enhanced pressor response, in patients receiving linezolid. Specific dose adjustment recommendations are not presently available. Consider therapy modification
MAO Inhibitors: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Alpha1-Agonists. While linezolid is expected to interact via this mechanism, management recommendations differ from other monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Refer to linezolid specific monographs for details. Exceptions: Linezolid; Tedizolid. Avoid combination
Sympathomimetics: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy
Tedizolid: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Tedizolid may enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy
Tricyclic Antidepressants: May enhance the vasopressor effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Tricyclic Antidepressants may diminish the vasopressor effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Monitor therapy
Rare systemic effects may occur.
Disease-related concerns:
- Cardiovascular disease, including ischemic heart disease: Use caution.
- Diabetes mellitus: Use caution.
- Hyperthyroidism: Use caution.
Special populations:
- Elderly: Use caution.
Other warnings/precautions:
- Use with caution in patients with increased intraocular pressure or prostatic hyperplasia. Notify healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve within 7 days or if bleeding occurs.
When administered intravenously, phenylephrine crosses the placenta. Refer to the Phenylephrine (Systemic) monograph for details. There is limited information available supporting the use of topical agents for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Products containing phenylephrine should be used with caution in pregnant women, especially patients with hypertension or diabetes.
Potent, direct-acting alpha-adrenergic agonist with virtually no beta-adrenergic activity; produces local vasoconstriction.
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Have patient report immediately to prescriber rectal bleeding or rectal pain (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for health care professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience, and judgment in diagnosing, treating, and advising patients.