Topical Decongestants
Patient Counselling
Patient Counseling Information
Important information about your topical decongestant (1):
- This medication temporarily relieves nasal congestion and sinus pressure due to the common cold
- Intended for use in adults ≥12 years of age
- Do not exceed the recommended dosage as this can lead to worsening of symptoms
- Do not use for more than 3-5 days
- Store in a dry place at room temperature, away from direct light
Important information about your topical decongestant (1):
- This medication temporarily relieves nasal congestion and sinus pressure due to the common cold
- Intended for use in adults ≥12 years of age
- Do not exceed the recommended dosage as this can lead to worsening of symptoms
- Do not use for more than 3-5 days
- Store in a dry place at room temperature, away from direct light
Administration:
Sprays (1,3):
1. Shake well.
2. Remove protective cap and activate the pump by pressing down firmly several times.
3. When you’re ready to spray, hold bottle with your thumb on the base and the nozzle between your first and second fingers.
4. Do not tilt your head. Insert nozzle into nostril.
5. Squeeze thumb and fingers together firmly and smoothly while breathing in deeply through your nose.
6. Wipe nozzle clean.
7. Repeat in the other nostril, if needed.
Drops (4):
1. Shake well then remove protective cap.
2. Tilt your head back while standing or sitting.
3. Gently squeeze the bottle and place 2-3 drops into each nostril.
4. With head still tilted, breathe in deeply.
5. Wipe nozzle clean.
To help prevent contamination, rinse spray and dropper tips in hot water after each use. Do not share nasal decongestants, as this can spread infection (3).
Side effects may include (2):
- Sneezing
- Stinging
- Burning
- Dryness
- Headache
Please consult your doctor if you (1,2):
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, heart or thyroid disease, diabetes, or an enlarged prostate
- Experience worsening of your nasal symptoms
- Develop signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing or swelling in the face, tongue or throat
References:
1. Drixoral Nasal Congestion. Merck Canada Inc. Kirkland, QC; 2014. Available at: http://www.drixoral.ca/en/products/details/6. Accessed March 26, 2014.
2. Lynch T. Respiratory Disorders: Viral Rhinitis. In: Gray Jean, editor. e-Therapeutics+. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2006. Available from: http://www.e-therapeutics.ca. Accessed March 11, 2014.
3. Claritin Allergy Decongestant. e-CPS. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2012. Available from: https://www.e-therapeutics.ca/cps. Accessed March 11, 2014.
4. Otrivin Cold & Allergy Nose Drops. Novartis. Canada; 2014. Available at: http://www.otrivin.ca/en/products.shtml. Accessed March 26, 2014.
Sprays (1,3):
1. Shake well.
2. Remove protective cap and activate the pump by pressing down firmly several times.
3. When you’re ready to spray, hold bottle with your thumb on the base and the nozzle between your first and second fingers.
4. Do not tilt your head. Insert nozzle into nostril.
5. Squeeze thumb and fingers together firmly and smoothly while breathing in deeply through your nose.
6. Wipe nozzle clean.
7. Repeat in the other nostril, if needed.
Drops (4):
1. Shake well then remove protective cap.
2. Tilt your head back while standing or sitting.
3. Gently squeeze the bottle and place 2-3 drops into each nostril.
4. With head still tilted, breathe in deeply.
5. Wipe nozzle clean.
To help prevent contamination, rinse spray and dropper tips in hot water after each use. Do not share nasal decongestants, as this can spread infection (3).
Side effects may include (2):
- Sneezing
- Stinging
- Burning
- Dryness
- Headache
Please consult your doctor if you (1,2):
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, heart or thyroid disease, diabetes, or an enlarged prostate
- Experience worsening of your nasal symptoms
- Develop signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing or swelling in the face, tongue or throat
References:
1. Drixoral Nasal Congestion. Merck Canada Inc. Kirkland, QC; 2014. Available at: http://www.drixoral.ca/en/products/details/6. Accessed March 26, 2014.
2. Lynch T. Respiratory Disorders: Viral Rhinitis. In: Gray Jean, editor. e-Therapeutics+. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2006. Available from: http://www.e-therapeutics.ca. Accessed March 11, 2014.
3. Claritin Allergy Decongestant. e-CPS. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2012. Available from: https://www.e-therapeutics.ca/cps. Accessed March 11, 2014.
4. Otrivin Cold & Allergy Nose Drops. Novartis. Canada; 2014. Available at: http://www.otrivin.ca/en/products.shtml. Accessed March 26, 2014.