This medication is used for temporary relief of
congestion in the nose caused by various conditions including the common
cold, sinusitis, hay fever, and allergies. It works by narrowing the blood
vessels in the nose area, reducing swelling and congestion.
This section contains uses of this drug that are not
listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be
prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition
that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your
health care professional.
This drug may also be used to relieve "plugged ears" and
to reduce swelling in the nose before certain surgeries or
procedures.
Use this medication in the nose as directed. Follow all
directions on the product package, or use as directed by your doctor. If
you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
To apply nasal drops, wash your hands first. To avoid
contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your nose or
any other surface. If needed, have another person place the drops in your
nose.
Gently blow your nose before using this drug. Tilt your
head back while sitting on a chair or lying down. Hold the dropper over the
affected nostril and apply the directed number of drops. Keep your head
tilted for a few minutes. Repeat these steps with the other nostril if
needed. Do not swallow the medication if it drips into the
throat.
This medication provides only temporary relief. Do not
use more medication or use it more often or for longer than directed
because doing so may increase the risk of side effects. Also, do not use
this medication for more than 3 days because doing so may cause a condition
called rebound congestion. Symptoms of rebound congestion include long-term
redness and swelling inside the nose and increased runny nose. If this
occurs, stop using this medication and consult your doctor or
pharmacist.
Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse or lasts
after 3 days.
Temporary burning, stinging, dryness in the nose, runny
nose, and sneezing may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse,
tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- slow/fast/pounding heartbeat
- dizziness
- nausea
- headache
- mental/mood changes
- trouble sleeping
- shaking (tremors)
- unusual sweating
- unusual weakness
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this nasal decongestant, tell your doctor
or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other sympathomimetics (such
as pseudoephedrine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may
contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other
problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
If you have any of the following health problems,
consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this
product:
- heart/blood vessel disease (such as coronary artery
disease)
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- difficulty urinating (due to enlarged prostate)
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of
this drug. Check the product package or consult with your doctor or
pharmacist about whether these nasal drops can be used by
children.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a
serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors
(isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide,
phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline,
tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors
should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this
medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this
medication.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
drowsiness, slow heartbeat, dizziness, fainting.
Do not share this medication with others. Use of this
container by more than one person may spread infection.
There are many nasal decongestants available, many
without a prescription. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about which
product is best for you.
Refer to storage information printed on the package.
Protect from heat and light. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.