warnings and cautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Exacerbation of Angina, Heart Failure, or Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phenylephrine hydrochloride can precipitate angina in patients with severe arteriosclerosis or history of angina, exacerbate underlying heart failure, and increase pulmonary arterial pressure. (5.1) Peripheral and Visceral Ischemia: Phenylephrine hydrochloride can cause excessive peripheral and visceral vasoconstriction and ischemia to vital organs. (5.2) Skin and Subcutaneous Necrosis: Extravasation during intravenous administration may cause necrosis or sloughing of tissue. (5.3) Bradycardia: Phenylephrine hydrochloride can cause severe bradycardia and decreased cardiac output. (5.4) Exacerbation of Angina, Heart Failure, or Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phenylephrine hydrochloride can precipitate angina in patients with severe arteriosclerosis or history of angina, exacerbate underlying heart failure, and increase pulmonary arterial pressure. (5.1) Peripheral and Visceral Ischemia: Phenylephrine hydrochloride can cause excessive peripheral and visceral vasoconstriction and ischemia to vital organs. (5.2) Skin and Subcutaneous Necrosis: Extravasation during intravenous administration may cause necrosis or sloughing of tissue. (5.3) Bradycardia: Phenylephrine hydrochloride can cause severe bradycardia and decreased cardiac output. (5.4) 5.1 Exacerbation of Angina, Heart Failure, or Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Because of its increasing blood pressure 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 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. 5.3 Skin and Subcutaneous Necrosis Extravasation of Phenylephrine hydrochloride can cause necrosis or sloughing of tissue. The infusion site should be checked for free flow. Care should be taken to avoid extravasation of Phenylephrine hydrochloride. 5.4 Bradycardia Phenylephrine hydrochloride can cause severe bradycardia and decreased cardiac output. 5.5 Allergic Reactions Phenylephrine hydrochloride contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions, including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in non-asthmatic people. 5.6 Renal Toxicity Phenylephrine hydrochloride can increase the need for renal replacement therapy in patients with septic shock. Monitor renal function. 5.7 Risk of Augmented Pressor Affect in Patients with Autonomic Dysfunction The increasing blood pressure response to adrenergic drugs, including Phenylephrine hydrochloride, can be increased in patients with autonomic dysfunction, as may occur with spinal cord injuries. 5.8 Pressor Effect with Concomitant Oxytocic Drugs Oxytocic drugs potentiate the increasing blood pressure effect of sympathomimetic pressor amines including Phenylephrine hydrochloride [see Drug Interactions (7.1)] , with the potential for hemorrhagic stroke.