Name of the Procedure:

Injection, phenylephrine HCl, up to 1 ml (J2370)

• Common Name: Phenylephrine Injection
• Medical Term: Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Injection

Summary

Phenylephrine HCl injection is a medical procedure in which a small dose of the drug phenylephrine hydrochloride (up to 1 ml) is administered to the patient. This medication is commonly used to treat low blood pressure, nasal congestion, and other conditions as determined by a healthcare provider.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions Addressed:
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Nasal congestion
  • Acute hypotensive conditions
• Goals and Expected Outcomes:
  • Elevate blood pressure to normal levels
  • Relieve nasal congestion
  • Improve overall patient stability in cases of acute hypotension

Indications

• Specific Symptoms or Conditions:
  • Low blood pressure episodes during surgical procedures
  • Severe nasal congestion not relieved by over-the-counter medications
  • Shock or acute hypotension
• Patient Criteria:
  • Deemed appropriate for phenylephrine treatment by a healthcare provider
  • No known allergies to phenylephrine or its ingredients

Preparation

• Pre-Procedure Instructions:
  • Generally, no special fasting or modifications to current medications are required, unless specified by a healthcare provider.
• Diagnostic Tests or Assessments:
  • Blood pressure monitoring
  • Medical history review to rule out contraindications

Procedure Description

• Step-by-Step Explanation:
  1. The patient is seated or lying down comfortably.
  2. The injection site is cleaned with an antiseptic.
  3. Phenylephrine HCl (up to 1 ml) is drawn into a syringe.
  4. The healthcare provider administers the injection, usually into a vein (intravenously).
  5. The patient’s blood pressure and overall response are monitored closely.
• Tools and Equipment:
  • Sterile syringe
  • Antiseptic solution
  • Blood pressure monitoring device
• Anesthesia/Sedation:
  • Local anesthesia or sedation is generally not required for this injection.

Duration

• The injection itself takes only a few minutes to administer.
• Monitoring may continue for 15 to 30 minutes or longer, depending on the patient’s response.

Setting

• Typically performed in a hospital setting, outpatient clinic, or surgical center.

Personnel

• Administered by nurses, physicians, or other qualified healthcare professionals.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks:
  • Local site reactions (e.g., redness, swelling)
  • Mild increase in blood pressure
• Rare Risks:
  • Severe hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Reflex bradycardia (slowing of the heart rate)
  • Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
• Management:
  • Continuous monitoring and prompt intervention in case of adverse reactions

Benefits

• Expected Benefits:
  • Rapid stabilization of blood pressure
  • Quick relief of nasal congestion
• Onset of Benefits:
  • Typically within minutes following administration

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care:
  • Continued vital sign monitoring as needed
  • Observing for any adverse reactions
• Expected Recovery Time:
  • No significant recovery time; patients usually resume normal activities shortly after
• Restrictions and Follow-Up:
  • Follow-up appointments if phenylephrine was part of a broader treatment plan

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options:
  • Alternative medications for hypotension (e.g., ephedrine, norepinephrine)
  • Nasal decongestant sprays or oral medications
• Pros and Cons of Alternatives:
  • Alternatives may have different side effects or be less immediate in their action compared to phenylephrine injection.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure:
  • Mild discomfort or a stinging sensation at the injection site
• After the Procedure:
  • Possible brief period of monitoring
  • Most patients report feeling better quickly, especially if treated for low blood pressure
• Pain Management and Comfort Measures:
  • Ice packs or over-the-counter pain relief for any minor injection site discomfort