Final answer:
Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic drug used as a decongestant. It has clinical effects such as dilating bronchioles, dilating the pupil, and increasing blood pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic drug that is commonly used as a decongestant. It is also used to dilate the pupil and raise blood pressure. Phenylephrine is an α₁-adrenergic agonist, which means it binds to adrenergic receptors and stimulates a response.
The clinical effects of phenylephrine include dilation of the bronchioles in the lungs, which helps clear mucus from the lower respiratory tract. It is also used in ophthalmology for dilating the pupil during eye exams. Additionally, it can be used to increase blood pressure in situations where cardiac function is compromised, such as during anesthesia or septic shock.