Nariz

Nariz is an expectorant and decongestant drug, used to treat symptoms of flu and the common cold. This is a drug combination of guaifenesin and phenylephrine.

Guaifenesin is the expectorant component of Nariz. This medication loosens the phlegm or mucus in the airway (throat and chest) so you can cough out the secretions easily.

Phenylephrine is the decongestant component of Nariz. This medication constricts or shrinks the dilated blood vessels in the nasal passages to relieve stuffy nose or nasal congestion.

Instructions:

Read your medication guide and follow your doctor’s prescription at all times.

• Take Nariz orally/ by mouth after meals per doctor’s prescription.
• Do not break, chew or crush sustained- release tablet form of Nariz to prevent releasing the content of this medication all at once, which may intensify side effects.
• Use a standard medicine cup/ spoon (not household spoon) to obtain the accurate amount for each dose if you are using the liquid preparation of this medication.
• The dosage depends on your medical condition or treatment response. Do not adjust your dose without your doctor’s recommendation. Do not give this medication to children less than 4 years old.
• Avoid taking MAO inhibitor drugs 14 days before, during or 14 days after your Nariz treatment.
• Avoid alcohol intake and activities that require mental alertness (i.e. driving, operating machinery) because this medication can cause dizziness.
• Increase your fluid intake to further loosen the phlegm in your throat and airway.
• Continue taking Nariz on a regular schedule (same time of the day). Do not stop taking this medication abruptly without consulting your doctor.

Inform your doctor immediately if your condition aggravates or does not improve after 1-week treatment.

Take your missed dose as soon as possible. The time interval between doses must not be too close. Otherwise, stick with the regular schedule and leave out the missed dose. Avoid taking a double dose to cover up your missed dose. Record your missed dose and inform your doctor immediately if you missed several doses.

Interactions:

Nariz may interact with:

• Antihypertensive medications or high blood pressure medicines (i.e. atenolol, carvedilol, metoprolol, propranolol) and
• Antidepressant medications (i.e. amitriptyline, imipramine).

Some drugs may either lessen the beneficial effects or worsen the side effects of Nariz. Likewise, Nariz may make some drugs less efficient or intensify their side effects.

Make sure to inform your doctor about all other drugs you are currently taking or using (prescribed and non-prescribed medications including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products) to check for possible drug interaction with Nariz.

Never alter the doses of other medications while on Nariz neither stop nor start any medicine without the doctor’s recommendation.

Side Effects:

There are no side effects known aside from a possible allergic reaction in people who have previous or unknown hypersensitivity to the drug.

Watch out for signs of allergic reactions such as:

• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling

Warnings:

Before taking Nariz, tell your health care provider if you have/are:

• Any allergies to any substance, food or medication, particularly to Nariz, guaifenesin or to phenylephrine;
• Medical history or a present condition such as:

        o Heart disease

        o High blood pressure

        o Blood circulation disorder

        o Glaucoma

        o Abnormally increased activity of the thyroid or hyperthyroidism

        o Prostate enlargement

        o Other problems in urination

        o Phenylketonuria (PKU) and

• Pregnant, planning to get pregnant or currently breastfeeding a baby (It is not known if Nariz can harm the unborn child but it can pass through breast milk that may harm the nursing child. The risks and benefits of using this medication during pregnancy must be discussed well with your doctor.)