Neo-Synephrine

Neo-Synephrine is a nasal spray used in temporarily relieving stuffiness and congestion in the nose, which are usually caused by allergic rhinitis, hay fever, sinus trouble, or common colds.

It may be used in relieving the congestion caused by ear infections, as well. Apart from these indications, phenylephrine may also be used to treat other conditions as directed by the doctor. Avoid using any OTC medicine for children aged 4 and below.

Your doctor will inform you of what you need to know before using Neo-Synephrine. When using this medicine, the risks and benefits the medicine offer must be weighed.

Before using this drug, you and your doctor must consider the following:

• Allergies: If you have any unusual reaction to any medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about it. Additionally, disclose other types of allergies - foods, preservatives, animals, or dyes, if there are any. Read the package ingredients carefully and make sure you are not allergic to any of its ingredients.
• Pediatric: Children, especially those who are aged 4 and below, may be sensitive to the effects of this drug, thus increasing the risk for side effects. Do not administer in children younger than 4 years old.
• Geriatric: There are no specific studies done in the elderly patients, hence, it is not known if phenylephrine nasal spray will work differently in the elderly as it works in younger adults.
• Pregnancy: No adequate studies done in pregnant women, but animal studies show adverse effects.
• Breastfeeding: Although there are no adequate studies in lactating mothers that determine potential risk in an infant when breastfeeding, the benefits should be weighed against the risks before taking this medication.

• Drug Interactions: Some drugs have adverse effects when used together. Make sure to inform your doctor about other drugs you are taking, so that alterations and precautions will be made if necessary. Before using phenylephrine, talk to your doctor about possible interactions if you are taking other medications.

  It is also important to inform your doctor if you are smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol since these may interact with the drug’s effectiveness. Inform your doctor about any drug you are using, prescription or nonprescription, as well as vitamin and herbal supplement. Your doctor may not allow you to use this drug if you are using Linezolid, Rasagiline, or Selegiline.

• Other Medical Problems: If you have other medical problems, the use of this medicine may become affected. For instance, patients with type 2 diabetes, heart disease, blood vessel disease, overactive thyroid, or high blood pressure, using this nasal spray may make these conditions worse.

To use Neo-Synephrine properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

• Blow your nose gently before using the nose drops.
• Sit up and tilt your head back, or you can lie down and hang your head over the edge of the bed.
• Put the drops into each nostril.
• Keep your head tilted back for several minutes to make sure the medicine penetrates the nose.
• After use, rinse the dropper with hot water and dry thoroughly using a clean tissue. Replace the cap and seal tightly.

If using the nasal spray, keep your head upright and spray phenylephrine in each nostril. Briskly sniff in the medicine as you squeeze the bottle. You may use 1-2 sprays in each nostril, wait for about 5 minutes for the drug to work, and then blow your nose thoroughly but gently. Rinse spray bottle with warm water, careful not to get water inside it. Dry the spray bottle using a clean tissue.

If you are using the nose jelly, apply about a pea-size amount up in each nostril. Gently sniff the medicine up. Wipe tube tip with damp wipes and replace cap after each use.

Do not share the dropper or container with another person to avoid spreading the infection. Throw away the container after your condition gets better. Use the medicine for no longer than 3 days unless directed by your doctor.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. In case it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and follow your regular dosing schedule. Never take double doses.

Storage

Keep the medicine in an airtight container at normal room temperature. Keep it away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Do not let it freeze. Keep the medicine out of children’s reach.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Neo-Synephrine to avoid unwanted potential side effects. Not all the side effects listed below may not need medical attention.

If any of these occur, consult your doctor immediately:

• Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
• Increased sweating
• A headache or dizziness
• Nervousness
• Trembling
• Paleness
• Increase in runny or stuffy nose
• Trouble in sleeping

While most of these side effects usually diminish as the body adjusts to the drug, calling your doctor may be needed. Some patients may experience side effects not listed above. If you want to report side effects, you may do so by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.