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 surgery 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.
Gently blow your nose before using this drug. Use your
finger to close the nostril on the side not receiving the medication. While
keeping your head upright, place the spray tip into the open nostril. Spray
the medication into the open nostril as you breathe in through your nose.
Sniff hard a few times to be sure the medication reaches deep into the
nose. Repeat these steps for the other nostril if needed.
Avoid spraying the medication into your eyes or onto the
middle of the inside of your nose (nasal septum).
Rinse the spray tip with hot water or wipe with a clean
tissue after each use. Make sure that water does not get inside the
container. Replace cap after each use.
This medication provides only temporary relief. Do not
use more often, use more sprays, or use longer than directed because doing
so may increase the risk of side effects. Also, do not use this medication
for more than 3 days or it 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 prescribed 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
- 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 this nasal spray 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 various 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.