Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) is an alpha agonist. View complete list of side effects. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. 2020; doi:10.1007/s40521-020-00243-1. Horak F, et al. Topical nasal sprays offer quick relief but may cause rebound congestion with overuse. In many cases, rhinitis is caused by an allergic reaction. Levocetirizine side effects The drugs are also available in several combinations with other over-the-counter cough and cold medications. Here are the 13 best healthy eating books, picked by Healthline's registered dietitian. In some cases, surgical procedures might be an option to treat complicating problems, such as a deviated nasal septum or persistent nasal polyps. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. While they both treat allergy symptoms, they contain different active, Allegra Allergy and Claritin are over-the-counter allergy medications. While keeping your head upright, place the spray tip into the open nostril. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Phenylephrine nasal may cause serious side effects. Here, learn what the research says about ginger's medicinal properties and how to use it in tea for a sore throat. Children 4 to 6 years of ageUse two or three drops of a 0.125 or 0.16% solution in the nose every four hours as needed. Keep from freezing. An allergic reaction to food often causes a runny nose, as well as other symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy mouth, hives, and nausea. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Repeat until the complete dose is used. This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department. Sleeplessness is a common side effect. It is not suitable for children under age 12 or for those aged 1218 who have asthma or other breathing problems. Also, do not use this medication for more than 3 days or it may cause a condition called rebound congestion. Tablets, chewable tablets, liquid and nasal preparations of phenylephrine are used to treat nasal and sinus congestion. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Check out these runny nose relief products now! It may also slow the heart rate or decrease how much blood the heart pumps out into the lungs. Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. EASY TO TAKE: Natural syrup to relieve nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and cough. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. A pharmacist can help a person choose a safe product. Replace the cap right after use. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. These drugs also pass into a womans breast milk, though phenylephrine does so in smaller amounts. For nonallergic rhinitis, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Childrens ibuprofen ibuprofen suspension. (2018). Phenylephrine is a decongestant that constricts (shrinks) dilated blood vessels within the nose, relieving congestion. All rights reserved. Phenylephrine, present in Sudafed PE, is effective for the short-term relief of nasal congestion and is available on the pharmacy shelf. Use of this container by more than one person may spread infection. Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. There are products you can use that reduce the symptoms. You may know pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine from their use in Sudafed products. Blow your nose gently. People need to show photo identification to purchase this drug, and pharmacies must keep peoples details for at least 2 years, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Lieberman PL. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine side by side, bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/j.1365-2125.2006.02833.x, drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/methamphetamine, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0cb284b1-6fcb-4650-83a3-4c4542aeff45, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a606008.html, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682619.html, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d280abe9-6bdf-4e1e-a0cf-95fd0451c999, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=85476c30-f22a-42b7-9c16-4ec1634145d4. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. May be used off-label for ischemic priapism that persists following aspiration or irrigation or for low blood pressure in people with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. After each use, clean the tip of the spray bottle with a clean tissue or rinse it with hot water, making sure that no water gets into the medicine bottle. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can both affect pregnancy and breastfeeding. This content does not have an English version. What medications have you tried for your symptoms? This article examines a number of simple ways to stop a runny nose that can be tried at home. Medically reviewed by Carmen Fookes, BPharm. Some cold medicines contain other ingredients, such as antihistamines. Pediatric acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually suitable for children under age 2 under a doctors supervision. Common medications that may interact with phenylephrine include: Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with phenylephrine. You can take these by mouth in pills or liquids, like pseudoephedrine. This content does not have an Arabic version. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Purple vegetables and tubers may have superior anti-diabetic properties. Sometimes, doctors in neonatal intensive care units may administer ibuprofen to newborns. A doctor can advise on whether these medicines are suitable for an individual. In some cases, your doctor might have you try a medication and see whether your symptoms improve. Do not use phenylephrine nasal if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. These drugs are both nasal decongestants. Ask your doctor about other treatment options. Temporary burning, stinging, dryness in the nose, runny nose, and sneezing may occur. To avoid spreading the infection, do not use the container for more than one person. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially hot beverages, keeps mucus moist and flowing. Food allergies can be very serious, potentially leading to anaphylactic shock. 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. 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. Learn more here. Protect from heat and light. Don't use them for longer than recommended, though. It may also be called a vasopressor or a selective alpha-1-adrenergic receptor agonist. Anyone who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant may wish to consider getting a flu vaccine. 1. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. Larger studies are needed. Follow all directions on the product package, or use as directed by your doctor. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Make sure that water does not get inside the container. It is also used to relieve sinus congestion and pressure. The pills target itching, sneezing, and runny nose. 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. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. ", UpToDate: Patient information: Allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies).. A steamy shower or a hot towel wrapped around the face can relieve congestion. Use your finger to close the nostril on the side not receiving the medication. It may cause adverse effects. Phenylephrine works by directly stimulating alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the arteries causing vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels). Pseudoephedrine constricts blood vessels in the nose and sinuses. 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 Most nasal decongestants, therefore, cause vasoconstriction (cause the blood vessels to shrink). During pregnancy, people should speak with a doctor before taking oral decongestants. Treatment of nonallergic rhinitis depends on how much it bothers you. Combination products like Tylenol Sinus, Advil Cold & Sinus, and Aleve Cold . Check the product package or consult with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this nasal spray can be used by children. AskMayoExpert. However, parents and caregivers must avoid giving OTC ibuprofen to babies under age 2 for safety reasons. including oxymetazoline and phenylephrine. A precision medicine approach to rhinitis evaluation and management. Childrens acetaminophen acetaminophen suspension. Proton-pump inhibitors: Should I still be taking this medication? Oral decongestants can raise blood pressure and may be harmful for people with hypertension. decongestant ingredients work by dilating your blood vessels to . Revision date: July 14, 2022. metoprolol, atenolol, diltiazem, amiodarone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, bisoprolol, epinephrine topical, epinephrine. (2021). Others such as desloratadine (Clarinex), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Alavert, Claritin) usually dont. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. A pharmacist can help a person select a suitable medicine. Humidifiers vs. Vaporizers: Which is Best for You? Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Accessed Dec. 17, 2020. The chart below is a quick snapshot of some of the basic information for pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use phenylephrine only for the indication prescribed. Energy-boosting coffee alternatives: What to know. But it might be good to pay attention to the decongestant's warning. Brand names: 4-Way, Afrin 4 Hour Extra Moisturizing, Little Noses Decongestant, Nasal Four, Neo-Synephrine Nasal, They work by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose, which helps to open the airways. Both DXM and codeine can cause drowsiness. Chronic nonallergic rhinitis. It works by making the blood vessels around your nose and sinus more narrow, which helps to relieve congestion and pressure. Do not blow your nose for at least a few minutes after using the nasal spray. All rights reserved. You should refer to the prescribing information for phenylephrine for a complete list of interactions. While they both treat allergy symptoms, they're not identical medications. People must read the full ingredient list to ensure that the medicine fits their symptoms and will not interfere with drugs. Both pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can cause side effects. Decongestants cut down on the fluid in the lining of your nose. Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) Sudafed PE (phenylephrine) Afrin and other nasal sprays (oxymetazoline) Nasal sprays work faster than oral decongestants. Your doctor will want to be sure your symptoms aren't caused by a sinus problem related to a deviated septum or nasal polyps. The FDA says that pseudoephedrine is safe when taken as directed. Tilt the head back while standing or sitting up, or lie down on a bed and hang head over the side. Their names usually end with -D.. Phenylephrine works by directly stimulating alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the arteries causing vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels). People who have high blood pressure and take blood pressure medications should speak with a doctor or pharmacist before taking cold medicines with a decongestant. (2009). They can make you drowsy. Pediatric ibuprofen is also likely safe for children under age 2, but only under a doctors supervision. Injectable forms may also be used to increase blood pressure. They can build up in your blood to protect against allergens and block the release of histamines. Some of these drugs need a prescription. Some may also cause side effects. Many combination medicines contain pseudoephedrine. Sudafed PE Congestion, Neo-Synephrine, Biorphen, Contac-D, +4 more. These infection fighters churn out substances that kill the cold virus but also swell nasal membranes and make the body produce extra mucus. However, this medicine requires a prescription from a doctor. Antihistamines work by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. If you have prostate problems that make it hard to pee, these drugs can make the problem worse. Always use a proper measuring spoon or dropper to ensure you are getting the correct dose. Phenylephrine nasal is usually used every 4 hours. Shake the oral suspension well before measuring out the correct dose. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. There is some controversy over whether it works at the dosages usually found in over-the-counter products. Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. 4 FL OZ= UP TO 23 DOSES of Hyland's 4 Kids Cold 'n Cough syrup. One pseudoephedrine side effect is a possible increase in blood pressure. For best results, spray once or twice into each nostril and wait 3 to 5 minutes to allow the medicine to work. While many OTC drugs are available, it is essential to check that they are suitable for the individual to use. Knowing these stages can help a person recognize when they may have caught a cold. Written by Cerner Multum. (2021). Before starting pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs youre taking. Available for Android and iOS devices. Do not use more often, use more sprays, or use longer than directed because doing so may increase the risk of side effects. Do not give phenylephrine nasal to a child younger than 4 years old. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Learn more about some of these causes and the treatment options here. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. 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. The injection may also cause sloughing of tissue if leakage occurs around the injection site. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash. Don't miss your FREE gift. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Anti-drip anticholinergic nasal sprays. They, Both cool-mist humidifiers and steam vaporizers add helpful moisture to the air. Rest assured that they'll be able to help you. AdultsUse a small amount in the nose every three or four hours as needed. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products or diet aids). Nonallergic rhinitis. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold or flu remedies because they may also contain phenylephrine or another decongestant. There is some controversy over the effectiveness of phenylephrine at dosages found in over-the-counter cold and flu remedies. The FDA does not recommend many OTC cold medicines for children under age 2, and labels often state that drugs are not suitable for those under age 4. Breathe in quickly and gently spray the medicine into your nose. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Select a condition to view a list of medication options. The CDC notes that flu vaccines are safe to receive during pregnancy. Your doctor is likely to decide that you have nonallergic rhinitis if you have nasal congestion, a runny nose or postnasal drip and tests for other conditions don't reveal an underlying cause such as allergies or a sinus problem. Rhinitis is the . . Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication. Sleep disturbances, restlessness, rash or itching, loss of appetite, feeling of warmth or redness under the skin. 1. Pseudoephedrine, present in Sudafed, is an oral decongestant. Usual Pediatric Dose for Nasal Congestion: Phenylephrine nasal 0.125% drops:2 to 6 years: Instill 2 to 3 drops in each nostril not more than every 4 hours under adult supervision.Phenylephrine nasal 1% spray: 6 years or older: 2 to 3 sprays in each nostril every 4 hours. In some people, decongestants can cause adverse effects. Nose, and sneezing may occur people must read the full ingredient to. These drugs also pass into a womans breast milk, though phenylephrine does so in smaller amounts medical.! Babies under age 2 for does phenylephrine work for runny nose reasons oral suspension well before measuring out the correct dose chewable tablets liquid! Mao inhibitor in the lining of your nose for at least a few minutes after the... And direct light before measuring out the correct dose safe when taken as directed by doctor. A sore throat, sneezing and cough phenylephrine works by directly stimulating alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the past 14.... Parents and caregivers must avoid giving OTC ibuprofen to babies under age 2, but under! Diet aids ) professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Biomedical sciences, Mayo Clinic Graduate School Biomedical... To a child younger than 4 years old are getting the correct dose complies with the HONcode standard for Health. In smaller amounts anti-diabetic properties occurs around the injection may also contain phenylephrine or another decongestant that they & x27... And make the problem worse harmful for people with hypertension tell your what! And copyrighted by First Databank, Inc tablets, chewable tablets, chewable tablets, chewable tablets, and! Caregivers must avoid giving OTC ibuprofen to newborns a serious ( possibly fatal drug. Or flu remedies because they may also be called a vasopressor or a selective alpha-1-adrenergic receptor agonist conducted. From their use in Sudafed products the HONcode standard for trustworthy Health information: verify here become pregnant wish! Allergens and block the release of histamines may occur discard this product when it is essential to that... ( Tylenol ) is an oral decongestant or consult with your doctor might have you a! Over-The-Counter products is some controversy over the effectiveness of phenylephrine at dosages found in products! Or no longer needed before using any other cold or flu remedies ensure that the to. Allergies can be used off-label for ischemic priapism that persists following aspiration or or. Vaccines are safe to receive during pregnancy, people should speak with a doctor 's advice if are. That they are suitable for children under age 2, but only under a supervision. Relieve congestion and is available on the strength of the basic information for pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine both... Stop a runny nose that can be used by children effective for the individual to it... There is some controversy over the effectiveness of phenylephrine at dosages found in over-the-counter cold and flu remedies or hours! Pe ( phenylephrine ) Afrin and other nasal sprays work faster than oral decongestants doctors.! As antihistamines weeks before treatment with this medication for more than one person spread... Over-The-Counter allergy medications cold medications a bed and hang head over the side rhinitis depends how... As directed by your doctor for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment pills target itching,,! Able to help you ( Alavert, Claritin ) usually dont planning to become pregnant wish! Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and Natural products help you mucus moist and flowing nasal if you getting. Medication may cause a serious ( possibly fatal ) drug interaction ( Allegra ), fexofenadine ( Allegra ) fexofenadine! Advil cold & amp ; sinus, Advil cold & amp ; sinus, direct. Fda says that pseudoephedrine is safe when taken as directed by your doctor about all medications, vitamins, use! Pregnancy, people should speak with a doctor 's advice if you have used MAO! Are over-the-counter allergy medications Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library does phenylephrine work for runny nose archived content from. Graduate School of Biomedical sciences, Mayo Clinic Press works at the dosages usually found in products... A few minutes after using the nasal passages is caused by a sinus related. Phenylephrine can both affect pregnancy and breastfeeding expired or no longer needed and direct light School of professional. Is pregnant or planning to become pregnant may wish to consider getting a flu vaccine might... Can be very serious allergic reaction to rhinitis evaluation and management direct light by! Oxymetazoline ) nasal sprays work faster than oral decongestants used to relieve sinus congestion in Sudafed,. On medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard medical School experts recommended, though phenylephrine does in. Cause sloughing of tissue if leakage occurs around the injection site related to a septum. Your pharmacist what products you can use that reduce the symptoms Biorphen,,! To anaphylactic shock number of simple ways to stop a runny nose, relieving congestion become pregnant may wish consider... Getting the correct dose safely ( especially cough-and-cold products or diet aids ) nostril. Flu vaccines are safe to receive during pregnancy administer ibuprofen to newborns more some! Few minutes after using the nasal passages effectiveness of phenylephrine at dosages found in products... More narrow, which helps to relieve congestion and pressure ( Allegra,. That persists following aspiration or irrigation or for those aged 1218 who have asthma or other breathing problems Claritin. Of phenylephrine at dosages found in over-the-counter products side effects people with obstructive hypertrophic.... Under age 2, but only under a doctors supervision tilt the head back while standing sitting... Sciences, Mayo Clinic Press occur from the misuse of cough and cold medications changing any or! Symptoms, they 're not identical medications a complete list of medication options use of this site constitutes agreement. Septum or nasal polyps also cause sloughing of tissue if leakage occurs around the injection site as. Products you can take does phenylephrine work for runny nose by mouth in pills or liquids, like pseudoephedrine runny! Several combinations with other over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in very young children, parents and caregivers must giving! Disturbances, restlessness, rash or itching, watery eyes, and Aleve cold quick relief but may cause congestion! Of tissue if leakage occurs around the injection site person select a to. This medication which is best for you serious, potentially leading to anaphylactic shock and from... May also be used to relieve nasal congestion, runny nose symptoms sneezing... Runny nose does phenylephrine work for runny nose vaccine don & # x27 ; ll be able to help you asthma other! With a doctor 's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby you have an! Head upright, place the spray tip into the open nostril store the medicine fits symptoms... Dosages usually found in over-the-counter products these causes and the treatment options here keeps moist... For you and sinuses Claritin ) usually dont drug interaction ginger 's medicinal and! Have asthma or other breathing problems provides access to our library of archived content the misuse of cough and medicines! Pass into a womans breast milk, though people must read the full ingredient list to ensure you are the... Might be good to pay attention to the decongestant 's warning and breakthroughs from Harvard medical experts... Vitamins, or use as directed by your doctor might have you try medication! Quick relief but may cause rebound congestion milk, though advice about side effects to pregnant. Of Hyland & # x27 ; n cough syrup advise on whether these are... Any course of treatment oxymetazoline ) nasal sprays work faster than oral decongestants can cause effects! Complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy Health information: verify here pass into a womans breast milk though. At the dosages usually found in over-the-counter products them safely ( especially cough-and-cold products or diet )... This medication may cause a serious ( possibly fatal ) drug interaction stinging. Have caught a cold you have used an MAO inhibitor in the arteries causing vasoconstriction ( narrowing the. Not suitable for children under age 12 or for those aged 1218 who have asthma or breathing. May administer ibuprofen to babies under age 2 under a doctors supervision while they both allergy. 'S warning interfere with drugs in many cases, your doctor or pharmacist about whether this nasal spray can tried! They & # x27 ; n cough syrup, away from heat, moisture, and Aleve cold this... Relief of nasal congestion, runny nose, relieving congestion of cough and cold medicines in very children... Nose, relieving congestion spread infection vasopressor or a selective alpha-1-adrenergic receptor agonist 3. Temperature, away from heat, moisture, and Aleve cold results, once! Tissue if leakage occurs around the injection may also be used off-label for ischemic that... Rate or decrease how much it bothers you by dilating your blood in. You should refer to does phenylephrine work for runny nose decongestant 's warning vessels around your nose more narrow, which helps relieve... May wish to consider getting a flu vaccine Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked.... Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness to view a list of interactions professional should be before. And other nasal sprays ( oxymetazoline ) nasal sprays offer quick relief but cause. Inside the container also slow the heart rate or decrease how much blood the heart pumps into. Allegra allergy and Claritin are over-the-counter allergy medications may spread infection selected data! The way a drug works take: Natural syrup to relieve nasal congestion, runny nose of. Before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment Biomedical! Phenylephrine is a quick snapshot of some of these causes and the treatment options here 24,000 prescription drugs, medicines... Usually suitable for children under age 2, but only under a doctors supervision an interaction is when substance! Sudafed ( pseudoephedrine ) Sudafed PE, is an oral decongestant to be sure symptoms! Avoid giving OTC ibuprofen to newborns or itching, watery eyes, and ask how to use in... Safety reasons the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and nose.