phenylephrine (oral) (Nasop, Nasop12, PediaCare Children''s Decongestant)

Brand Names: Nasop, Nasop12, PediaCare Children's Decongestant, Sudafed PE, Sudafed PE Children's Nasal Decongestant, Sudafed PE Congestion, Sudogest PE

Generic Name: phenylephrine (oral)

• What is phenylephrine?
• What are the possible side effects of phenylephrine?
• What is the most important information I should know about phenylephrine?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking phenylephrine?
• How should I take phenylephrine?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking phenylephrine?
• What other drugs will affect phenylephrine?
• Where can I get more information?

Phenylephrine is a decongestant that is used to treat stuffy nose and sinus congestion caused by the common cold, hay fever, or other allergies.

Phenylephrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using phenylephrine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat;
• severe dizziness or nervousness;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• increased blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears.

Common side effects may include:

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
• loss of appetite; or
• feeling restless or excited (especially in children).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Do not use phenylephrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

You should not use phenylephrine if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

• heart disease, high blood pressure;
• diabetes;
• a thyroid disorder;
• an enlarged prostate and urination problems; or
• any drug allergies.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

The liquid form of this medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cold medicine to a child.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Remove an orally disintegrating tablet from the package only when you are ready to take the medicine. Place the tablet in your mouth and allow it to dissolve, without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you have a fever, rash, or headaches.

If you need surgery, tell your surgeon if you are currently using this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

QUESTION

Allergies can best be described as: See Answer

Since cold medicine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

Many drugs can affect phenylephrine, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about phenylephrine.

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