Neo-Synephrine (Phenylephrine Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Neo-Synephrine Used For?
Neo-Synephrine is a prescription medication that helps manage blood pressure and heart rate in medical emergencies and during surgical procedures.
Primary Uses
Neo-Synephrine is used to help increase your blood pressure and slow down your heart rate, particularly during surgery or in states of shock.
How It Works
Neo-Synephrine works by causing constriction (narrowing) of your blood vessels, which helps increase blood pressure and regulate heart rate.
How Neo-Synephrine Is Given
Neo-Synephrine must only be given by a doctor or nurse in a hospital setting. It cannot be self-administered.
Administration Methods
Neo-Synephrine can be given in three ways: as a slow injection or infusion (drip) into a vein, as a deep injection into a muscle, or as an injection just under the skin. Sometimes it is diluted before use and given with fluids into a vein.
Dosage Determination
Your doctor will decide what dose and how long you will receive Neo-Synephrine. The dose will be different depending on how your doctor gives you the medication and why you are being given it.
Important: This medication can only be administered by healthcare professionals in a hospital setting – it is not for home use.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Headache
- Restlessness
- Excitability
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Fast or irregular heartbeats (palpitations)
- Very slow pulse
- Sensation of fullness in the head
- Tingling in the hands or feet
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations and medical conditions that may prevent you from receiving Neo-Synephrine safely.
Who Should Not Take Neo-Synephrine
Do not use Neo-Synephrine if you are allergic to phenylephrine hydrochloride, sodium metabisulfite, or any other ingredients. Also avoid if you have very high blood pressure or a very fast heart beat (palpitations).
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have thyroid disease, slow heart rate, other heart disease, or severe arteriosclerosis (a disease of the arteries). Also inform them of any other medicines you are taking.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or intend to breastfeed. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of being given Neo-Synephrine during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.
Allergic Reactions: Symptoms of allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, or skin rash and itching.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Neo-Synephrine and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare team about all medications you are taking.
- Certain medicines to treat depression (such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants)
- Halothane anaesthetics (a type of medicine used to keep you asleep during an operation)
- Certain medicines used to stimulate labour in pregnant women
Alcohol & Driving
There are important considerations regarding alcohol consumption and operating machinery while receiving Neo-Synephrine treatment.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. No specific information is available about alcohol interactions.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Neo-Synephrine affects you.
Storage
Neo-Synephrine will be stored in the hospital pharmacy or kept on the hospital ward where the temperature stays below 25°C. The hospital will safely dispose of any unwanted or expired medicine.
Overdose Information
As Neo-Synephrine is given in hospital under medical supervision, overdose is very unlikely. However, if you think you have been given too much, symptoms may include sensation of fullness in the head, tingling in hands or feet, and irregular or fast heartbeat. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Neo-Synephrine can only be given by a doctor or nurse in three ways: as a slow injection or infusion into a vein, as a deep injection into a muscle, or as an injection just under the skin.
The source does not specify onset time, but as it’s used during surgery and shock states, it likely works quickly when administered intravenously.
Yes, your doctor will monitor your blood pressure closely while you are being given Neo-Synephrine.
Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of being given Neo-Synephrine during pregnancy. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are being treated with Neo-Synephrine, especially if you are about to be started on any new medicine.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. No specific food restrictions are mentioned in the available information.
Allergic reaction symptoms may include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, or skin rash and itching. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.