Some small studies have shown that repeated applications of capsaicin the ingredient responsible for the heat in hot peppers to the inside of the nose can ease nasal congestion. The side effects of different cough medicines can combine and cause severe fatigue or even respiratory failure. People must read the full ingredient list to ensure that the medicine fits their symptoms and will not interfere with drugs. Mayo Clinic; 2020. Dont double up on acetaminophen. Phenylephrine, present in Sudafed PE, is effective for the short-term relief of nasal congestion and is available on the pharmacy shelf. Sudafed PE Congestion, Neo-Synephrine, Biorphen, Contac-D, +4 more. Phenylephrine works by directly stimulating alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the arteries causing vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels). This content does not have an English version. Nasacort and Flonase are two of many allergy medications available today. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use. "Rhinorrhea," a term often used alongside the phrase "runny nose," is the thin, mostly clear discharge you might see. Nasacort vs. Flonase: Whats the Difference? Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. However, taking too much can have adverse effects, including hallucinations. A decongestant will help reduce nasal . Never use more of this medicine than directed on the label or prescribed by your doctor. Most nasal decongestants, therefore, cause vasoconstriction (cause the blood vessels to shrink). Sinex Nasal Spray, Alconefrin-12, Nostril Nasal Decongestant, Rhinall, Neo-Synephrine Extra Strength Nasal, Neo-Synephrine Mild Nasal, 4-Way Menthol, Neo-Synephrine Cold and Sinus Regular Strength, Neo-Synephrine Cold and Sinus Extra Strength, Neo-Synephrine Cold and Sinus Mild Strength. Like adults, children should never take two medicines containing acetaminophen at once. bloody nose: Antihistamines: sneezing and runny nose: . Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Understanding over-the-counter (OTC) medications and high blood pressure. (2017). Children and infants up to 4 years of ageUse is not recommended . You can walk into any pharmacy and buy phenylephrine off the shelf like you would for any other purchase. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using phenylephrine nasal if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. A steamy shower or a hot towel wrapped around the face can relieve congestion. Afrin original - oxymetazoline hydrochloride spray. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. A pharmacist can help a person select a suitable medicine. Combining them could lead to increases in both blood pressure and heart rate. Before starting pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs youre taking. But theyll give you much-needed relief for a runny or congested nose. Decongestants cut down on the fluid in the lining of your nose. A cold can be uncomfortable, but it will usually resolve on its own with time. Sleeplessness is a common side effect. A placebo-controlled study of the nasal decongestant effect of phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine in the Vienna Challenge Chamber. One class of drugs that is known to interact with both pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine is monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Energy-boosting coffee alternatives: What to know. Pseudoephedrine, present in Sudafed, is an oral decongestant. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others. Brompheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Phenylephrine only provides symptom relief, it does not cure a cold. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. This content does not have an English version. Children 6 to 12 years of ageUse two or three sprays of a 0.25% solution in the nose every four hours as needed. Your doctor will diagnose nonallergic rhinitis based on your symptoms and by ruling out other causes, especially allergies. The pills target itching, sneezing, and runny nose. 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. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Antihistamines can ease your symptoms, but they work best when you take them before you feel a reaction. Your doctor will want to be sure your symptoms aren't caused by a sinus problem related to a deviated septum or nasal polyps. A pharmacist can help a person choose a safe product. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this medicine. If you are experiencing swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, seek immediate emergency medical treatment. The sections below will look at how certain cold medicines can interact with drugs for other health conditions. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Sometimes, a runny nose is a symptom of an allergic reaction. Stop using phenylephrine nasal and call your doctor at once if you have: 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; Side effects may be more likely in older adults. Rinse the dropper with hot water and dry with a clean tissue. While keeping your head upright, place the spray tip into the open nostril. Wonder which healthy eating books are worth a read? https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. 3. (2020). AskMayoExpert. Wash your hands before applying the medicine. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Adults and children 12 years of age and olderUse two or three drops of a 0.25 to 0.5% solution in the nose every four hours as needed. Accessed Dec. 17, 2020. Dont use decongestant nasal sprays for more than 3 days in a row, as they may make your nasal congestion and swelling worse and last longer. Don't use them for longer than recommended, though. In Conversation: Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Breathe Right nasal strips may help you breathe better at night. These rules help prevent people from buying products that contain pseudoephedrine to make methamphetamine. FDA drug safety communication: FDA evaluating the potential risks of using codeine cough-and-cold medicines in children. Sinex Nasal Spray, Alconefrin-12, Nostril Nasal Decongestant, Rhinall, Neo-Synephrine Extra Strength Nasal, Neo-Synephrine Mild Nasal, 4-Way Menthol, Neo-Synephrine Cold and Sinus Regular Strength, Neo-Synephrine Cold and Sinus Extra Strength, Neo-Synephrine Cold and Sinus Mild Strength Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Cold medicines that address specific symptoms can be helpful. Available for Android and iOS devices. A cold will typically run its course within 12 weeks. Overdose symptoms may include severe dizziness or drowsiness, slow heart rate, and fainting. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. One pseudoephedrine side effect is a possible increase in blood pressure. Nonallergic rhinitis. With the head upright, spray the medicine into each nostril. decongestant ingredients work by dilating your blood vessels to . Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Hyland's 4 Kids Stuffy Nose & Sinus Cold and Allergy Medicine for Children Ages 2+ Headache Relief. It also looks at cold medicine interactions and how to treat cold symptoms at home. Medicines containing codeine are not suitable for those under age 12 or those aged 1218 with breathing problems. The liquids you drink help thin mucus to reduce pressure in the sinuses, which reduces irritation and inflammation. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as not taking medicine for your congestion beforehand. But if you use . Last medically reviewed on September 14, 2022. In some cases, surgical procedures might be an option to treat complicating problems, such as a deviated nasal septum or persistent nasal polyps. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Keeping yourself hydrated when you have a runny nose is very important. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. (2009). Humidifiers vs. Vaporizers: Which is Best for You? Gently turn your head from side to side. Phenylephrine belongs to the class of medicines known as nasal decongestants. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. Do not exceed the recommended dose or number of days for use. Do not give phenylephrine to children without talking to a doctor first. Is my condition likely temporary or long lasting? Antihistamines target histamine, which your body makes during an allergic reaction. Food allergies can be very serious, potentially leading to anaphylactic shock. But check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you have the right medication for your symptoms. drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, to prevent dehydration, avoiding smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke. Regarding its effectiveness as a treatment for nasal congestion, the answer is no. Using phenylephrine nasal too long can damage the lining of your nasal passages and lead to chronic nasal congestion. 1 . Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant. Breathe in quickly and gently spray the medicine into your nose. These drugs are both nasal decongestants. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that constricts (shrinks) dilated blood vessels within the nose, relieving congestion. Pseudoephedrine constricts blood vessels in the nose and sinuses. Last medically reviewed on November 28, 2022. Combination products like Tylenol Sinus, Advil Cold & Sinus, and Aleve Cold . However, nasal decongestant sprays should be used only for several days because it can lead to rebound nasal congestion. Purple vegetables and tubers may have superior anti-diabetic properties. Do not use phenylephrine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless under a doctor's advice. If this symptom is due to an allergy and not a cold, antihistamines may help. Repeat these steps for the other nostril if needed. Replace the cap right after use. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. Accessed Dec. 17, 2020. Cerner Multum. Use of this container by more than one person may spread infection. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The only way to be sure rhinitis isn't caused by allergies is through allergy testing, which may involve skin or blood tests. Drink water. The chart below lists examples of possible side effects from pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. What should I know regarding pregnancy, nursing and administering phenylephrine nasal to children or the elderly? This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. You can take them as pills, nasal spray, or eye drops. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex. Childrens ibuprofen ibuprofen suspension. Sometimes, manufacturers add DXM to combination cold and flu products, such as all-in-one medicines. It may cause adverse effects. For mild cases, home treatment and avoiding triggers might be enough. Nasal sprays deliver a decongestant right where you need it. 2020; doi:10.1007/s40521-020-00243-1. Phenylephrine. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. They work by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose, which helps to open the airways. If your symptoms aren't easily controlled by decongestants or antihistamines, your doctor might suggest a nonprescription corticosteroid nasal spray, such as fluticasone (Flonase Allergy Relief) or triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24 Hour). Topical anticholinergics, such as ipratropium bromide nasal spray, may help reduce a runny nose. Pediatric ibuprofen is also likely safe for children under age 2, but only under a doctors supervision. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding unless under a doctor's advice. Inhaled decongestants may be a good alternative with correct use. All rights reserved. Medicines that interact with phenylephrine may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with phenylephrine. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Accessed Dec. 19, 2020. (2018). This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. You shouldnt drive when you take antihistamines such as brompheniramine (Nasahist B), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), clemastine (Dayhist, Tavist), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Codeine is present in many cough medications because it suppresses activity in the brain that leads to coughing. The nasal sprays work on congestion, an itchy or runny nose, and postnasal drip. Honey contains antioxidants and may have antibacterial and antiviral properties. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. The injectable form of phenylephrine contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions in susceptible people. You don't need a prescription, but you do have to ask a pharmacist or clerk for them and show an ID or sign a log. To avoid spreading the infection, do not use the container for more than one person. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose). Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment. American Family Physician. Sniff hard a few times to be sure the medication reaches deep into the nose. Cold symptoms in toddlers under 2 years of age may seem alarming to parents and caregivers, but they typically disappear on their own with time. I have other health conditions. Phenylephrine for injection may be used in the treatment of low blood pressure, shock, or supraventricular tachycardia. Proton-pump inhibitors: Should I still be taking this medication? 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