Phentolamine
Brand names: Rogitine
Phentolamine is a short-acting parenteral alpha-adrenoceptor blocker used in hospital for hypertensive episodes associated with phaeochromocytoma and to manage extravasation of vasopressor drugs.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Clinical monograph
How it works
It is a non-selective competitive alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist, producing vasodilatation that lowers blood pressure and reverses local vasoconstriction.
Prescribing in practice
- Administer with continuous blood-pressure and cardiac monitoring because it can cause profound hypotension and reflex tachycardia or arrhythmias.
- It is the agent used to counteract noradrenaline or vasopressor extravasation by local infiltration to restore tissue perfusion.
- Use with caution in coronary or cerebrovascular disease where abrupt blood-pressure changes are hazardous.
Monitoring
Continuous blood pressure and heart rate monitoring is required, watching for hypotension and tachyarrhythmias.
Counselling the patient
- This medicine is given and monitored by hospital staff.
- Report dizziness, palpitations or chest discomfort immediately.
Evidence & guidelines
A long-established agent for phaeochromocytoma-related hypertension and vasopressor extravasation, supported by clinical experience and specialist guidance.
Reference: UK Medicines Information (UKMi) Extravasation Guidelines; Endocrine Society Phaeochromocytoma Guidelines 2014; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.