On enquiry, the mother got the medicine that the child was getting for cough and cold. The child had received an oral syrup containing
Phenylephrine hydrochloride 5mg and chlorpheniramine maleate.
Phenylephrine is a selective a1-adrenergic receptor agonist used primarily as a decongestant. The primary side effect of
Phenylephrine is hypertension. Because this medication is a sympathomimetic amine, it can also increase contractility force and increase output to the cardiac muscle. In other words,
Phenylephrine mimics
Norepinephrine binding to a-adrenoreceptors and can cause increased heart rate.
Ideally, no cough syrups are recommended in children less than 2 years of age due to their side effects.
E-published: January - March 2014 Vol 11 Issue 1 Art No. 4
