phenylephrine
noun
phen·yl·eph·rine
ˌfe-nᵊl-ˈe-ˌfrēn 
-frən
: a sympathomimetic agent C9H13NO2 that is used in the form of its hydrochloride as a vasoconstrictor, a mydriatic, a nasal decongestant, and by injection to raise the blood pressure
Examples of phenylephrine in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Johnson & Johnson products, all of which contain phenylephrine and have been marketed as decongestants, include the Codral, Sudafed, and Benadryl ranges.
—
New Atlas, 23 Dec. 2024
This is following the FDA’s proposal to ban the use of oral phenylephrine as an over-the-counter nasal decongestant in early November.
—Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 18 Dec. 2024
Ephedrine and phenylephrine, medications for low blood pressure that are commonly prescribed during C-sections, have caused false positives for meth.
—Shoshana Walter, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
Congestion Green explained that decongestants that don’t contain phenylephrine can help people with stuffy noses.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for phenylephrine 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
New Atlas, 23 Dec. 2024
This is following the FDA’s proposal to ban the use of oral phenylephrine as an over-the-counter nasal decongestant in early November.
—Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 18 Dec. 2024
Ephedrine and phenylephrine, medications for low blood pressure that are commonly prescribed during C-sections, have caused false positives for meth.
—Shoshana Walter, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
Congestion Green explained that decongestants that don’t contain phenylephrine can help people with stuffy noses.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for phenylephrine
Dictionary Entries Near phenylephrine
Cite this Entry
“Phenylephrine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenylephrine. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
phenylephrine
noun
phen·yl·eph·rine
ˌfen-ᵊl-ˈef-ˌrēn, -rən
: a sympathomimetic agent with vasoconstrictive properties that is used in the form of its hydrochloride C9H13NO2·HCl especially as a nasal decongestant and mydriatic and to raise blood pressure
Note: Trademarks for preparations containing phenylephrine include Actifed and Neo-Synephrine.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share