Dosing and uses of Contac D (phenylephrine PO)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
tablet
- 25mg
- 50mg
- 75mg
Nasal Congestion
25 mg PO q4hr
SR: 75 mg PO q12hr
Other Indications & Uses
Cold symptoms
Cough
Also used as over counter diet aid (anorexiant)
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
tablet
- 25mg
- 50mg
- 75mg
Nasal Congestion
<2 years old: Consult a physician
2-6 years old: 1.87-3.75 mg suspension PO q12hr
6-12 years old: 6.25 mg PO q4hr (37.5 mg/d)
>12 years old: 12.5 mg PO q4hr (75 mg/d)
Contac D (phenylephrine PO) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Palpitation
Tachycardia
Premature ventricular contractions
Occipital headache
Pallor or blanching
Trembling or tremors
Increased perspiration
Hypertension
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypertension, VTach
Nonselective MAO inhibitors: risk of hypertensive reaction
Cautions
<16 yo: more systemic absorption possible
Closely monitor in hyperthyroidism, DM, heart disease
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 Contac D (phenylephrine PO)
Absorption: minimal systemic
Duration: 2-4 hr
Onset: 15-20 min
Metabolism: liver & intestine by MAO
Excretion: urine
Mechanism of action
Alpha adrenergic agonist
