1. A synthetic drug that constricts blood vessels and is used as a decongestant in nasal sprays and cold medicines, or as a medication to raise blood pressure.
Usage: pharmaceutical/medical term; also called phenylephrine hydrochloride in its salt form

Examples

• The doctor prescribed a nasal spray containing phenylephrine to relieve the patient's congestion.
• Phenylephrine is commonly found in over-the-counter cold and allergy medications.
• The emergency room used phenylephrine to help stabilize the patient's dangerously low blood pressure.
• Many decongestant products list phenylephrine as their active ingredient.
• Phenylephrine works by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages to reduce swelling.