Phenylephrine Nasal Spray

What is this medication?

PHENYLEPHRINE (fen il EF rin) treats a runny or stuffy nose. It may also be used to treat sinus congestion and pressure. It works by decreasing swelling in the nose, making it easier to breathe. It belongs to a group of medications called decongestants.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): 4-Way Nasal, Little Remedies for Noses, Neo-Synephrine, Neo-Synephrine Cold + Allergy, Neo-Synephrine Extra Strength, Neo-Synephrine Mild, Sinex Nasal

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Prostate problems
• Thyroid disease
• Trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• An unusual or allergic reaction to phenylephrine, sulfites, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for use in the nose. Follow the directions on the package label. Make sure that you are using the nasal spray correctly. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Bromocriptine
• Cocaine
• Ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Other stimulant medications

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Anesthesia
• Medications for blood pressure
• Medications for mental depression

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not use this medication for more than 3 days. Overuse will cause nasal congestion to come back or get worse.

Do not share this bottle with anyone else.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Increase in blood pressure

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Anxiety, nervousness
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Do not use if solution is brown or has solid pieces. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.