Dosing and uses of Benzedrex (propylhexedrine)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
intranasal inhaler
- 250mg/actuation
Nasal Congestion
1-2 inhalations per nostril q2hr PRN; not to exceed 3 days
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
intranasal inhaler
- 250mg/actuation
Nasal Congestion
<6 years: Not recommended
≥6 years: 1-2 inhalations per nostril q2hr PRN; not to exceed 3 days
Benzedrex (propylhexedrine) adverse (side) effects
Systemic side effects more common in patients with heart disease, especially if overused
Frequency not defined
Anxiety
Restlessness
Tremor
Sweating
Stinging
Dryness
Rebound congestion
Burning
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to drug or components
Within 14 days of MAO inhibitor therapy
Cautions
WARNING: may be extracted & injected IV as amphetamine substitute by abusers: Potential for cardiomyopathy, dyspnea, death
Caution in cardiac disease (increase BP, HR, palpitations)
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: not known if excreted in breast milk
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Benzedrex (propylhexedrine)
Mechanism of action
Cycloalkylamine; alpha adrenergic agonist; stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors in nasal conjunctiva and arterioles to produce vasoconstriction that results in nasal decongestion
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Minimal systemic
Onset: 30 sec-5 min
Duration: 30 min-2 hr
Metabolism: Liver
Metabolites: Norpropylhexedrine, cyclohexylacetoxine, & 4-hydroxypropylhexedrineExcretion: urine
