phenylephrine nasal

What is the most important information I should know about phenylephrine nasal?

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

What is phenylephrine nasal?

Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Phenylephrine nasal is used to treat nasal congestion and sinus pressure caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu. Phenylephrine may be used to treat congestion of the tubes that drain fluid from your inner ears, called the eustachian (yoo-STAY-shun) tubes.

Phenylephrine nasal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using phenylephrine nasal?

Do not use phenylephrine nasal if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• heart disease, heart rhythm disorder;
• high blood pressure;
• diabetes;
• glaucoma;
• a thyroid disorder; or
• an enlarged prostate or urination problems.

How should I use phenylephrine nasal?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cold medicine should be used only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Phenylephrine nasal is usually used every 4 hours. Follow the directions on the medicine label. Never use more of this medicine than directed on the label or prescribed by your doctor. Using phenylephrine nasal too long can damage the lining of your nasal passages and lead to chronic nasal congestion.

To use the nasal spray:

• Blow your nose gently. Keep your head upright and insert the tip of the bottle into one nostril. Press your other nostril closed with your finger. Breathe in quickly and gently spray the medicine into your nose. Then use the spray in your other nostril.
• Do not blow your nose for at least a few minutes after using the nasal spray.
• If the spray gets in your eyes or mouth or on your skin, rinse with water.
• If the nasal spray has not been used for longer than 24 hours, prime it by spraying 1 or 2 times into a tissue.

After each use, clean the tip of the spray bottle with a clean tissue or rinse it with hot water, making sure that no water gets into the medicine bottle. Keep the cap on the bottle when not in use.

To use the nasal drops, lie on your back with your head tilted back. Insert the correct number of drops and remain lying in this position for several minutes. Gently turn your head from side to side.

To prevent the spread of infection, do not share phenylephrine nasal with anyone else.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using phenylephrine nasal. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since phenylephrine nasal is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include severe dizziness or drowsiness, slow heart rate, and fainting.

What should I avoid while using phenylephrine nasal?

What are the possible side effects of phenylephrine nasal?

• severe sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, redness or swelling in your nose, or other worsening nasal symptoms (may be a sign of overuse of phenylephrine nasal);
• severe stinging, burning, or irritation inside your nose;
• severe dizziness, restless feeling, nervousness, or insomnia;
• mood changes, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• tremors or shaking; or
• little or no urination.

Side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• temporary sneezing;
• mild burning, dryness, cold feeling, or irritation inside your nose;
• headache, dizziness, weakness;
• feeling excited or restless (especially in children); or
• mild sleep problems.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect phenylephrine nasal?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use phenylephrine nasal if you are also using any of the following drugs:

• other decongestants;
• an antidepressant;
• blood pressure medication; or
• diabetes medication.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with phenylephrine nasal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about phenylephrine nasal.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 6.02. Revision date: 2/8/2016.