When you have a cold or any allergy, there is nothing more uncomfortable than a stuffy nose and runny nose. It can be hard to breathe, your head feels heavy, and you feel like you can't do anything. So, at this time, one thing that many people use in the hope of quick relief is a nasal spray. Today, we are talking about Phenylephrine Nasal Spray, a commonly used medicine that reduces nasal congestion.
What is Phenylephrine? How does it work?
Simply put, Phenylephrine is a medicine that treats symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sinus pressure. Medically speaking, it belongs to a class of drugs called 'decongestants'.
Think about it, there are many tiny blood vessels inside our nose. When we get an infection like a cold, these blood vessels swell and become larger. That's when the space inside our nose becomes smaller, making it difficult for us to breathe, which means our nose gets blocked.
So when you spray this Phenylephrine spray into your nose, it goes straight to shrinking those swollen blood vessels. It's like taking some air out of a balloon. Then there's more space inside your nose, less congestion, and you can breathe easier again.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Although this is a medication that can be easily purchased at a pharmacy, it is not suitable for everyone. If you have any of the following medical conditions or problems, you should definitely talk to your doctor before using this spray.
| Notifiable medical conditions |
|---|
| Diabetes |
| Any type of heart disease |
| High blood pressure |
| Prostate problems |
| Thyroid disease |
| Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine |
| Allergic reaction to phenylephrine or other medicines, foods, or dyes |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother |
How exactly do you use this?
This medicine should only be used inside the nose. Follow the instructions on the package. It is important to know how to use the spray correctly. Use the correct dose at the correct time. Do not use more than the amount or frequency prescribed by your doctor.
The most important thing here is that you should not use this medicine for more than 3 days in a row.
Why do you say that? If you continue to use this for more than 3 days, your nasal congestion will get worse. This means that you will no longer need the medicine and your nose will start to get even more stuffy. This is called "rebound congestion." So, use it only as a short-term relief.
If your symptoms do not improve after 3 days, or if they worsen, see a doctor immediately.
About use in children
Doctors may recommend this in selected cases for children over 6 years of age. However, you should definitely talk to your doctor about it and use it only on his advice.
What to do if the dose is increased?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, never underestimate it. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medicines that should not be used with this medicine
Phenylephrine is a drug that can interact with some other medications. This means that when taken together with those medications, it can have unwanted effects and cause serious side effects. Therefore, if you are taking the following medications, it is not a good idea to use this spray.
| Drug category | Description |
|---|---|
| MAOI drugs | These are a type of medication given for conditions such as depression. |
| Ergot Alkaloids | Medicines for conditions such as migraine. |
| Bromocriptine | A medicine used for various medical conditions. |
| Cocaine | A drug. |
| Other stimulant medications | Other medications that stimulate the body. |
It can also interact with anesthesia, high blood pressure medications, and other medications for depression. So, tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins and herbal remedies.
Side effects to be aware of when using the medicine
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Heartbeat | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, pounding, or irregularly (heart palpitations). |
| Increased blood pressure | Increased blood pressure. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Anxiety, nervousness | Feeling fear and anxiety for no reason. |
| Headache | Headache. |
| Trouble sleeping | Difficulty falling asleep at night. |
Take-Home Message
- Phenylephrine nasal spray should only be used for short-term relief . Do not use for more than 3 days at a time.
- If used for more than 3 days, nasal congestion may become worse (rebound congestion) .
- If you have other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes, be sure to talk to a doctor before using this medicine.
- This medicine bottle is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else. Sharing the same bottle can spread diseases.
- Store the medicine at room temperature, out of the reach of children.
- If a serious side effect occurs or symptoms do not improve, seek medical advice immediately.
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