Benzedrex (propylhexedrine)
Nasal Decongestants Nasal Inhaler (Ea)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Propylhexedrine, an alpha-adrenergic sympathomimetic amine that is structurally related to amphetamine, is a vasoconstrictor.
Propylhexedrine is a potent alpha-adrenergic sympathomimetic amine that is structurally related to amphetamine.
Propylhexedrine acts as a local vasoconstrictor by antagonizing alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors in the mucosa of the respiratory tract; when administered intranasally, the drug decreases swelling and inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nasal passages. Although structurally similar to amphetamine, propylhexedrine exhibits 1/12th of the CNS stimulating effects of amphetamine.
Generic name: propylhexedrine
Drug class: Nasal Decongestants
Therapeutic class: Respiratory Therapy Agents
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Benzedrex
Indications
The following indications are listed for Benzedrex:
- Nasal Congestion
Also known as: Nasal Stuffiness.
Dosing
The Benzedrex(R) propylhexedrine inhaler delivers 0.4-0.5 mg of the drug in each 800 mL of air.
Propylhexedrine is administered by nasal inhalation via an inhaler. The inhaler should not be used by more than one patient to avoid contamination.
The propylhexedrine inhaler should be tightly closed. The inhaler is effective for a minimum of 3 months after first use.
Use in children 6-12 years of age should be under adult supervision.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
Sympathomimetics/Dihydroergotamine
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of dihydroergotamine and sympathomimetics may result in additive or synergistic effect on peripheral blood vessels.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of dihydroergotamine and sympathomimetics may result in increased blood pressure due to peripheral vasoconstriction.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Dihydroergotamine is contraindicated with sympathomimetics because the combination may result in additive or synergistic elevation of blood pressure.(1)
DISCUSSION: Significant elevation in blood pressure has been reported in patients treated with dihydroergotamine.(1) Sympathomimetics can be expected to have additional effects on blood pressure.
Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
Agents That Affect Catecholamines/Iobenguane I 123
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Many compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may interfere with iobenguane uptake into cells.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may interfere with imaging completed with iobenguane.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Discuss the use of agents that affect catecholamines. Discontinue drugs that reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores prior to imaging with iobenguane. Before imaging with iobenguane, discontinue agents that affect catecholamines for at least 5 biological half-lives, as clinically tolerated.(1)
DISCUSSION: Many agents may reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores.(1) Examples include: - CNS stimulants or amphetamines (e.g. cocaine, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine) - norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. phentermine) - norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. tramadol) - monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine, linezolid) - central monoamine depleting drugs (e.g. reserpine) - non-select beta adrenergic blocking drugs (e.g. labetalol) - alpha agonists or alpha/beta agonists (e.g. pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, naphazoline) - tricyclic antidepressants or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. amitriptyline, bupropion, duloxetine, mirtazapine, venlafaxine) - botanicals that may inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin or dopamine (e.g. ephedra, ma huang, St. John's Wort, yohimbine)
Agents That Affect Catecholamines/Iobenguane I 131
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Many compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may interfere with iobenguane uptake into cells.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may impact the dosimetry calculations or effectiveness of iobenguane.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Discuss the use of agents that affect catecholamines. Discontinue drugs that reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores for at least 5 half-lives before administration of either the dosimetry or a therapeutic dose of iobenguane. Do not administer these drugs until at least 7 days after each iobenguane dose.(1)
DISCUSSION: Many agents may reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores.(1) Examples include: - CNS stimulants or amphetamines (e.g. cocaine, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine) - norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. phentermine) - norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. tramadol) - monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine, linezolid) - central monoamine depleting drugs (e.g. reserpine) - non-select beta adrenergic blocking drugs (e.g. labetalol) - alpha agonists or alpha/beta agonists (e.g. pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, naphazoline) - tricyclic antidepressants or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. amitriptyline, bupropion, duloxetine, mirtazapine, venlafaxine) - botanicals that may inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin or dopamine (e.g. ephedra, ma huang, St. John's Wort, yohimbine) - calcium channel blockers
Sympathomimetics/Ergot Alkaloids
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of ergot alkaloids and sympathomimetics may result in additive or synergistic effect on peripheral blood vessels.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of ergot alkaloids and sympathomimetics may result in increased blood pressure due to peripheral vasoconstriction.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: When possible, avoid the concurrent use of ergot alkaloids and sympathomimetics. If concurrent use is warranted, monitor blood pressure and for signs of vasoconstriction. Decreasing the dose of one or both drugs may be necessary.
DISCUSSION: There have been reports of severe vasoconstriction resulting in gangrene in patients receiving intravenous ergonovine with dopamine or norepinephrine.
Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
Intranasal Decongestants/Zavegepant
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Intranasal decongestants may decrease the absorption of zavegepant.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration of intranasal decongestants may result in decreased systemic exposure and effectiveness of zavegepant.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid concurrent use of intranasal decongestants with zavegepant. If concurrent use is unavoidable, use the decongestant at least 1 hour after zavegepant.(1)
DISCUSSION: Intranasal decongestants may lower absorption of zavegepant. This effect has not been clinically evaluated.(1)
Contraindications
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
Common adverse effects of propylhexedrine include burning, stinging, sneezing, and increase in nasal discharge.
Rare or Very Rare
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Chest pain
- Hallucinations
Less Frequent
- Nasal passage irritation
- Rebound nasal congestion
- Rhinorrhea
- Sneezing
Rare or Very Rare
- Acute cognitive impairment
- Agitation
- Chest tightness
- Paranoid disorder
- Symptoms of anxiety
- Tachycardia
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
Safety and efficacy of propylhexedrine have not been established in children <6 years of age.
Patients who are pregnant should consult their clinician prior to use.
Patients who are breastfeeding should consult their clinician prior to use.
No enhanced messaging available.
ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nasal congestion | ||
| R09.81 | ICD10CM | Nasal congestion |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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