Phentolamine (fen-TOL-a-meen)

Prevents and controls high blood pressure during surgery of pheochromocytoma. Also used to prevent and treat skin injury due to norepinephrine injection. This medicine helps your doctor to diagnose pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor) in your body. Also used to reverse the effects of an anesthetic medicine in soft tissues, such as the lips and tongue. It may be used to help quickly restore normal sensation and function in patients who have received local dental anesthesia.

Brand Name(s):

OraVerse

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins or given as a shot into one of your muscles. This medicine may also be injected in your oral cavity after a dental procedure.
• A dentist, nurse, or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using blood pressure medicine such as atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), lisinopril, metoprolol, quinapril, Accupril®, Cozaar®, Diovan®, Lotrel®, Norvasc®, Toprol®, or Zestril®.
• Tell your doctor if you are using pain or arthritis medicine such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Ecotrin®, or Motrin®.
• Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have untreated high blood pressure or heart rhythm problems.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain.
• Dizziness or weakness.
• Fast or uneven heartbeat.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Problems with vision, speech, or walking.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache or stuffy nose.
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088