phenylephrine

[ fen-l-ef-reen, -rin, feen- ]
/ ˌfɛn lˈɛf rin, -rɪn, ˌfin- /

noun Pharmacology.

an alpha-adrenergic stimulant, C19H13NO2, used chiefly as a nasal decongestant.

Origin of phenylephrine

First recorded in 1945–50; phenyl + (epin)ephrine

Medical definitions for phenylephrine

phenylephrine
[ fĕn′əl-ĕfrēn, fē′nəl- ]

n.

An adrenergic drug that is a powerful vasoconstrictor and is used to relieve nasal congestion, dilate the pupils, and maintain blood pressure during anesthesia.