Skip to content

Phenylephrine

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 9, 2026

Sudafed PE is a brand-name over-the-counter nasal decongestant used to temporarily relieve sinus pressure and nasal congestion caused by allergies, colds, or the flu. It contains phenylephrine as its active ingredient and is intended for short-term use in adults and children above a certain age.

Quick summary

Sudafed PE is a nasal decongestant that relieves stuffy nose and sinus pressure from colds or allergies.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 9, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

RxNorm
603256
Generic
Sudafed Pe
Class
brand-name
Brands
—
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
—
Forms
—
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Temporarily relieves nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and congestion in the nasal passages due to the common cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies.

Contains phenylephrine, an alpha-adrenergic agonist that causes vasoconstriction (narrowing) of blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and congestion.

For short-term use only (typically 3-5 days). Consult a healthcare provider before use if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, or are taking other medications. Do not use if you are currently taking MAO inhibitors. Not recommended for children under certain ages without medical advice.

Official drug label

WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy