Phenylephrine is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood vessels (veins and arteries). The nasal formulation acts directly on the blood vessels in the nasal tissues. Constriction of the blood vessels in the nose and sinuses leads to drainage of these areas and decreases congestion.

Phenylephrine nasal is used to treat congestion associated with allergies, hay fever, sinus irritation, and the common cold.

Phenylephrine nasal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Use phenylephrine nasal exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the instructions that accompany the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

To apply the nasal spray, keep your head upright, spray and simultaneously breathe in deeply through the nose.

To apply the nasal drops, lie on a bed on your back with your head hanging over the edge. Insert the drops and remain in this position for several minutes. Gently turn your head from side to side.

Do not allow the tip of the container to touch the inside of the nose or any other surface. Contact between the applicator and nasal tissues may spread the infection. Also, to prevent the spread of infection, do not share this medication with anyone else.

Do not use more of this medication than is recommended on the package or by your doctor. Too much medication could be harmful.

Do not use phenylephrine nasal for longer than 3 to 5 days. Longer use could damage the nasal tissue and lead to chronic congestion. If your symptoms do not improve, see your doctor.

Discard the medication bottle after use. Do not save it for reuse.

Store phenylephrine nasal at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not use phenylephrine nasal if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur resulting in serious side effects.

Although drug interactions between nasal medications and drugs taken by mouth are not expected, they can occur. Talk to your doctor before using phenylephrine nasal if you take any other medications.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with phenylephrine nasal. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Do not use more of this medication than is recommended on the package or by your doctor. Too much medication could be harmful.

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a phenylephrine nasal overdose include extreme tiredness, sweating, dizziness, a slow heartbeat, and coma.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and use only the next regularly scheduled dose.Do not use a double dose of this medication.

Do not use phenylephrine for longer than 3 to 5 days. Longer use could damage the nasal tissue and lead to chronic congestion. If your symptoms do not improve, see your doctor.

Do not use more of this medication than is recommended on the package or by your doctor. Too much medication could be harmful.

Do not use phenylephrine nasal if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur resulting in serious side effects.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• high blood pressure;

• heart disease, hardening of the arteries, or irregular heartbeats;

• thyroid problems;

• diabetes;

• glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye(s);

• an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating; or

• liver disease; or

• kidney disease.

You may not be able to use phenylephrine nasal, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether phenylephrine nasal will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

Phenylephrine may pass into breast milk and affect a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from phenylephrine nasal. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

Your pharmacist has more information about phenylephrine nasal written for health professionals that you may read.

Phenylephrine nasal is available over the counter under many different brand and generic names in nasal spray and nasal drop formulations. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.