Phenylephrine Nasal Spray
Phenylephrine nasal spray is used to relieve nasal discomfort caused by colds, allergies, and hay fever. It is also used to relieve sinus congestion and pressure. Phenylephrine nasal spray will relieve symptoms but will not treat the cause of the symptoms or speed recovery. Phenylephrine is in a class of medications called nasal decongestants. It works by reducing swelling of the blood vessels in the nasal passages.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
Phenylephrine comes as a 0.125%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% solution (liquid) to spray into the nose. It is usually used as needed, not more than every 4 hours. The 0.5% and 1% solutions may be used in adults and children 12 years of age and older. The 0.25% solution may be used in children 6 to 12 years of age. The 0.125% solution may be used by children 2 to 6 years of age but should not be used for children younger than 2 years of age unless it is recommended by a doctor. Follow the directions on the package label or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use phenylephrine nasal spray exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor or directed on the label.
If you use phenylephrine nasal spray more often or for longer than the recommended period of time, your congestion may get worse or may improve but then return. Do not use phenylephrine nasal spray for longer than 3 days. If your symptoms do not get better after 3 days of treatment, stop using phenylephrine and call your doctor.
Phenylephrine nasal spray is only for use in the nose. Do not swallow the medication.
To prevent the spread of infection, do not share your spray bottle with anyone else.
To use the nasal spray, follow these steps:
- Blow your nose until your nostrils are clear.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Shake the bottle gently before each use and remove the cap.
- Hold one nostril closed with your finger.
- Tilt your head slightly forward and place the tip of the bottle towards the back of your open nostril.
- Squeeze the bottle quickly and firmly 2 to 3 times while gently breathing in the medication.
- Repeat steps 4 to 6 for the other nostril.
- Wipe the tip of the bottle and replace the bottle cap.
