PHENYLEPHRINE TANNATE SUSPENSION - ORAL
Common Brand Name(s): Nasop
Phonetic Pronunciation: (FEN-il-EF-rin)
Information last revised October 2010
Uses:
Phenylephrine is used to temporarily treat stuffy nose symptoms caused by the common cold, allergies, or other breathing illnesses (e.g., sinusitis). Phenylephrine is a decongestant that works by reducing blood flow to the nose/sinuses, allowing the passages in the nose to open up. Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Therefore, do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Some products (such as long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely. These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold and may cause serious side effects. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not use this product to make a child sleepy. Do not give other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray).
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
How To Use
Shake the bottle well before each dose. Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 12 hours or as directed by your doctor. Measure the medication with a dose-measuring spoon or device to make sure you get the correct dose. Do not use a household spoon. Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Tell your doctor if your condition worsens, does not improve in 7 days, or if you develop a fever.
Drug Interactions
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before, during, and after treatment with this medication. In some cases, a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction may occur. If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting phenylephrine. Before using phenylephrine, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: digoxin, guanethidine, methyldopa, reserpine, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Phenylephrine is available in both prescription and nonprescription products. Check the labels on all your medications carefully to make sure you are not taking more than one product that contains phenylephrine. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: restlessness, agitation, fast/pounding heartbeat, severe headache, seizures.
Precautions
Before taking phenylephrine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other sympathomimetics (e.g., ephedrine, phenylephrine); 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. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe high blood pressure, certain heart problem (severe coronary artery disease). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (e.g., asthma), other heart/blood vessel disease (e.g., mild/moderate coronary artery disease, heart failure, irregular heart rhythm), mild/moderate high blood pressure, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), glaucoma, diabetes, enlarged prostate (prostatic hypertrophy), intestinal blockage/narrowing. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. This medicine may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this drug safely. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects. 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 breast-feeding.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Side Effects
Dizziness, headache, nausea, stomach upset, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety, restlessness), severe headache, shaking (tremor), weakness, painful/difficult urination. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention 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. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
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