Phenylephrine for Low Blood Pressure

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Injection 10 mg per mL is indicated for increasing blood pressure in adults with clinically important hypotension resulting primarily from vasodilation in the settings of anesthesia and septic shock. Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Injection 10 mg per mL is alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist indicated for increasing blood pressure in adults with clinically important hypotension resulting primarily from vasodilation in the settings of anesthesia and septic shock. ( 1 )

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Phenylephrine hydrochloride injection, 10 mg/mL, is injected intravenously either as a bolus or in a dilute solution as a continuous infusion. Dilute before administration. ( 2) Dosing for treatment of hypotension during anesthesia Bolus intravenous injection: 40 mcg to 100 mcg every 1 to 2 minutes as needed, not to exceed 200 mcg. ( 2 ) Intravenous infusion: 10 mcg/min to 35 mcg/min, titrating to effect, not to exceed 200 mcg/min. ( 2 ) Adjust the dose according to the pressor response (i.e. titrate to effect). ( 2 ) 2.1 General Dosage and Administration Instructions Phenylephrine hydrochloride injection, 10 mg/mL must be diluted before administration as an intravenous bolus or continuous intravenous infusion to achieve the desired concentration: Bolus : Dilute with normal saline or 5% dextrose in water. Continuous infusion : Dilute with normal saline or 5% dextrose in water. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not use if the solution is colored or cloudy, or if it contains particulate matter. The diluted solution should not be held for more than 4 hours at room temperature or for more than 24 hours under refrigerated conditions. Discard any unused portion. During phenylephrine hydrochloride injection administration: Correct intravascular volume depletion. Correct acidosis. Acidosis may reduce the effectiveness of phenylephrine. 2.2 Dosing for Treatment of Hypotension during Anesthesia The following are the recommended dosages for the treatment of hypotension during anesthesia. The recommended initial dose is 40 to 100 mcg administered by intravenous bolus. Additional boluses may be administered every 1 to 2 minutes as needed; not to exceed a total dosage of 200 mcg. If blood pressure is below the target goal, start a continuous intravenous infusion with an infusion rate of 10 to 35 mcg/minute; not to exceed 200 mcg/minute. Adjust dosage according to the blood pressure goal. 2.3 Prepare a 100 mcg/mL Solution for Bolus Intravenous Administration For bolus intravenous administration, prepare a solution containing a final concentration of 100 mcg/mL of phenylephrine hydrochloride injection: Withdraw 10 mg (1 mL of 10 mg/mL) of phenylephrine hydrochloride and dilute with 99 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection, USP or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. Withdraw an appropriate dose from the 100 mcg/mL solution prior to bolus intravenous administration. 2.4 Prepare a Solution for Continuous Intravenous Administration For continuous intravenous infusion, prepare a solution containing a final concentration of 20 mcg/mL of phenylephrine hydrochloride in 5% Dextrose Injection, USP or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP: Withdraw 10 mg (1 mL of 10 mg/mL) of phenylephrine hydrochloride and dilute with 500 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection, USP or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. 2.5 Directions for Dispensing from Pharmacy Bulk Vial The Pharmacy Bulk Vial is intended for dispensing of single-doses to multiple patients in a pharmacy admixture program and is restricted to the preparation of admixtures for infusion. Each closure shall be penetrated only one time with a suitable sterile transfer device or dispensing set that allows measured dispensing of the contents. The Pharmacy Bulk Vial is to be used only in a suitable work area such as a laminar flow hood (or an equivalent clean air compounding area). Dispensing from a pharmacy bulk vial should be completed within 4 hours after the vial is penetrated. 2.1 General Dosage and Administration Instructions Phenylephrine hydrochloride injection, 10 mg/mL must be diluted before administration as an intravenous bolus or continuous intravenous infusion to achieve the desired concentration: Bolus : Dilute with normal saline or 5% dextrose in water. Continuous infusion : Dilute with normal saline or 5% dextrose in water. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not use if the solution is colored or cloudy, or if it contains particulate matter. The diluted solution should not be held for more than 4 hours at room temperature or for more than 24 hours under refrigerated conditions. Discard any unused portion. During phenylephrine hydrochloride injection administration: Correct intravascular volume depletion. Correct acidosis. Acidosis may reduce the effectiveness of phenylephrine. 2.2 Dosing for Treatment of Hypotension during Anesthesia The following are the recommended dosages for the treatment of hypotension during anesthesia. The recommended initial dose is 40 to 100 mcg administered by intravenous bolus. Additional boluses may be administered every 1 to 2 minutes as needed; not to exceed a total dosage of 200 mcg. If blood pressure is below the target goal, start a continuous intravenous infusion with an infusion rate of 10 to 35 mcg/minute; not to exceed 200 mcg/minute. Adjust dosage according to the blood pressure goal. 2.4 Prepare a Solution for Continuous Intravenous Administration For continuous intravenous infusion, prepare a solution containing a final concentration of 20 mcg/mL of phenylephrine hydrochloride in 5% Dextrose Injection, USP or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP: Withdraw 10 mg (1 mL of 10 mg/mL) of phenylephrine hydrochloride and dilute with 500 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection, USP or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. 2.5 Directions for Dispensing from Pharmacy Bulk Vial The Pharmacy Bulk Vial is intended for dispensing of single-doses to multiple patients in a pharmacy admixture program and is restricted to the preparation of admixtures for infusion. Each closure shall be penetrated only one time with a suitable sterile transfer device or dispensing set that allows measured dispensing of the contents. The Pharmacy Bulk Vial is to be used only in a suitable work area such as a laminar flow hood (or an equivalent clean air compounding area). Dispensing from a pharmacy bulk vial should be completed within 4 hours after the vial is penetrated.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Exacerbation of Angina, Heart Failure, or Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phenylephrine hydrochloride can precipitate angina in patients with severe arteriosclerosis or history of angina, exacerbate underlying heart failure, and increase pulmonary arterial pressure. (5.1) Peripheral and Visceral Ischemia: Phenylephrine hydrochloride can cause excessive peripheral and visceral vasoconstriction and ischemia to vital organs. (5.2) Skin and Subcutaneous Necrosis: Extravasation during intravenous administration may cause necrosis or sloughing of tissue. (5.3) Bradycardia: Phenylephrine hydrochloride can cause severe bradycardia and decreased cardiac output. (5.4) Exacerbation of Angina, Heart Failure, or Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phenylephrine hydrochloride can precipitate angina in patients with severe arteriosclerosis or history of angina, exacerbate underlying heart failure, and increase pulmonary arterial pressure. (5.1) Peripheral and Visceral Ischemia: Phenylephrine hydrochloride can cause excessive peripheral and visceral vasoconstriction and ischemia to vital organs. (5.2) Skin and Subcutaneous Necrosis: Extravasation during intravenous administration may cause necrosis or sloughing of tissue. (5.3) Bradycardia: Phenylephrine hydrochloride can cause severe bradycardia and decreased cardiac output. (5.4) 5.1 Exacerbation of Angina, Heart Failure, or Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Because of its increasing blood pressure effects, Phenylephrine hydrochloride can precipitate angina in patients with severe arteriosclerosis or history of angina, exacerbate underlying heart failure, and increase pulmonary arterial pressure. 5.2 Peripheral and Visceral Ischemia Phenylephrine hydrochloride can cause excessive peripheral and visceral vasoconstriction and ischemia to vital organs, particularly in patients with extensive peripheral vascular disease. 5.3 Skin and Subcutaneous Necrosis Extravasation of Phenylephrine hydrochloride can cause necrosis or sloughing of tissue. The infusion site should be checked for free flow. Care should be taken to avoid extravasation of Phenylephrine hydrochloride. 5.4 Bradycardia Phenylephrine hydrochloride can cause severe bradycardia and decreased cardiac output. 5.5 Allergic Reactions Phenylephrine hydrochloride contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions, including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in non-asthmatic people. 5.6 Renal Toxicity Phenylephrine hydrochloride can increase the need for renal replacement therapy in patients with septic shock. Monitor renal function. 5.7 Risk of Augmented Pressor Affect in Patients with Autonomic Dysfunction The increasing blood pressure response to adrenergic drugs, including Phenylephrine hydrochloride, can be increased in patients with autonomic dysfunction, as may occur with spinal cord injuries. 5.8 Pressor Effect with Concomitant Oxytocic Drugs Oxytocic drugs potentiate the increasing blood pressure effect of sympathomimetic pressor amines including Phenylephrine hydrochloride [see Drug Interactions (7.1)] , with the potential for hemorrhagic stroke.

DRUG INTERACTIONS Agonistic effects (increase in phenylephrine hydrochloride injection blood pressure effect) can occur with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), oxytocin and oxytocic drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, angiotensin and aldosterone, atropine, steroids, norepinephrine transporter inhibitors, ergot alkaloids. ( 7.1 ) Antagonistic effects (decrease in phenylephrine hydrochloride injection blood pressure effect) can occur with α-adrenergic antagonists, phosphodiesterase Type 5 inhibitors, mixed α- and β-receptor antagonists, calcium channel blockers, benzodiazepines and ACE inhibitors, centrally acting sympatholytic agents ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Interactions that Augment Press or Effect The increasing blood pressure effect of phenylephrine hydrochloride injection is increased in patients receiving: • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) • Oxytocin and oxytocic drugs • Tricyclic antidepressants • Angiotensin, aldosterone • Atropine • Steroids, such as hydrocortisone • Norepinephrine transporter inhibitors, such as atomoxetine • Ergot alkaloids, such as methylergonovine maleate 7.2 Interactions that Antagonize the Press or Effect The increasing blood pressure effect of phenylephrine hydrochloride injection is decreased in patients receiving: • α-adrenergic antagonists • Phosphodiesterase Type 5 inhibitors • Mixed α- and β-receptor antagonists • Calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine • Benzodiazepines • ACE inhibitors • Centrally acting sympatholytic agents, such as reserpine, guanfacine

ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Cardiovascular Effects [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Elevation in Blood Pressure [See Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] The following adverse reactions have been identified following use of phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Ocular adverse reactions include eye pain and stinging on instillation, temporary blurred vision, and photophobia (6.1) Cardiovascular adverse reactions include increase in blood pressure, syncope, myocardial infarction, tachycardia, arrhythmia and subarachnoid hemorrhage (6.2) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact LEADING PHARMA,LLC AT 1-844-740-7500 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Ocular Adverse Reactions Eye pain and stinging on instillation, temporary blurred vision and photophobia, and conjunctival sensitization may occur. 6.2 Systemic Adverse Reactions A marked increase in blood pressure has been reported particularly, but not limited to low weight premature neonates, infants and hypertensive patients. Cardiovascular effects which have been seen primarily in hypertensive patients following topical ocular use of phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 10% include marked increase in blood pressure, syncope, myocardial infarction, tachycardia, arrhythmia and subarachnoid hemorrhage [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2 and 5.3) ]. 6.1 Ocular Adverse Reactions Eye pain and stinging on instillation, temporary blurred vision and photophobia, and conjunctival sensitization may occur. 6.2 Systemic Adverse Reactions A marked increase in blood pressure has been reported particularly, but not limited to low weight premature neonates, infants and hypertensive patients. Cardiovascular effects which have been seen primarily in hypertensive patients following topical ocular use of phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 10% include marked increase in blood pressure, syncope, myocardial infarction, tachycardia, arrhythmia and subarachnoid hemorrhage [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2 and 5.3) ].