What are the side effects of phenylephrine (Vazculep)?

Some [common side effects](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534801/#article-27119.s5) include nausea, vomiting, headache, nervousness, and low heart rate.

phenylephrine

Q: How does phenylephrine (Vazculep) work?

Phenylephrine (Vazculep) acts on the [alpha-1 adrenergic receptors](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2869681/). These receptors are located in your blood vessels throughout your body. When phenylephrine (Vazculep) binds (attaches) to these receptors, your blood vessels squeeze, which raises your blood pressure.

Generic Biorphen

Used for Hypotension, Pupil Dilation

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Phenylephrine (Vazculep) is a medication typically used in the hospital to treat severely low blood pressure. There are lower-cost generic versions available.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on August 23, 2022

Basics FAQs Dosage Interactions Cost Alternatives Latest news Images Prices Medicare

What is Phenylephrine (Vazculep)?

What is Phenylephrine (Vazculep) used for?

Low blood pressure

Drug facts

Common BrandsVazculep, Biorphen, Immphentiv

Drug ClassAdrenergic receptor agonist

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

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Avg retail price

$88.12(Save 78.72%)

GoodRx discount

$18.75

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Common questions about Phenylephrine (Vazculep)

Phenylephrine (Vazculep) is used to treat severely low blood pressure from anesthesia during a procedure or surgery. It's given by a healthcare provider through an injection into the veins.

Phenylephrine (Vazculep) acts on the alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. These receptors are located in your blood vessels throughout your body. When phenylephrine (Vazculep) binds (attaches) to these receptors, your blood vessels squeeze, which raises your blood pressure.

Phenylephrine (Vazculep) is given as an injection through the veins (IV). It's typically given as a slow, continuous IV infusion for maintaining blood pressure. But in emergency situations, such as when your blood pressure is dropping quickly, phenylephrine (Vazculep) is given as an IV injection over a short period of time to quickly raise your blood pressure.

Your healthcare provider will determine your dose of phenylephrine (Vazculep) depending on factors such as your blood pressure and how your body responds to the medication. Hospitals typically have a specific program in place with steps that outline how to monitor and change the dose of phenylephrine (Vazculep) so that it works well and is as safe as possible for you.

Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, nervousness, and low heart rate.

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Phenylephrine (Vazculep) dosage

The average cost for 1 eye dropper of 2ml of 2.5% of Phenylephrine (Vazculep) is $18.86 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 53.99% off the average retail price of $40.99.

Typical dosage for Phenylephrine (Vazculep)

Interactions between Phenylephrine (Vazculep) and other drugs

Phenylephrine (Vazculep) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Phenylephrine (Vazculep). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Clorgyline
Dihydroergotamine
Iproniazid
Isocarboxazid
Linezolid
Nialamide
Phenelzine
Procarbazine
Rasagiline
Selegiline
Tranylcypromine

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Ergonovine
Furazolidone
Iobenguane I 123
Iobenguane I 131
Methylergonovine
Midodrine
Pargyline

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.