Short Acting Nasal Decongestants
Patient Counselling
Proper nasal spray use:
i. Blow your nose to clear your nostrils of mucous.
ii. Wash and dry your hands.
iii. Shake the bottle and then remove the cap.
iv. Insert the open tip into a nostril and aim the tip towards the outer side of your nose.
v. Push down the pump with your fingers to administer the medication while inhaling a deep breath.
vi. Remove the nasal spray from you nostril and exhale through your mouth.
vii. If necessary, repeat application in the same nostril.
viii. If necessary, repeat steps (iv) to (vii) in the opposite nostril.
ix. Replace cap and put away medication.
Use 2-3 sprays into the affected nostril(s) every four hours as needed for congestion.
The medication should begin to work within five to ten minutes and will last approximately four hours.
This product may cause stinging, burning or irritation in the nasal passage in which it is applied. Otherwise it has very few side effects.
Avoid concurrent use with MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants (risk of hypertensive crisis).
Avoid use in patients who are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Do not use for more than five consecutive days to prevent rebound congestion upon cessation of the medication. If you still need congestion relief, consult your physician or pharmacist.
Store the medication in a room temperature area away from children.
References:
1. Roy H. "Allergic Rhinitis." Patient Self‐Care: Helping Your Patient Make Therapeutic Choices. 2nd ed. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: Canadian Pharmacists Association, 2010. 171‐185.
2. Phenylephrine (Nasal). In: Lexi-Drugs (Lexicomp Online). Hudson, OH: Lexi-Comp, Inc; 2014. https://online.lexi.com/lco/action/home. Accessed July 19, 2014.
i. Blow your nose to clear your nostrils of mucous.
ii. Wash and dry your hands.
iii. Shake the bottle and then remove the cap.
iv. Insert the open tip into a nostril and aim the tip towards the outer side of your nose.
v. Push down the pump with your fingers to administer the medication while inhaling a deep breath.
vi. Remove the nasal spray from you nostril and exhale through your mouth.
vii. If necessary, repeat application in the same nostril.
viii. If necessary, repeat steps (iv) to (vii) in the opposite nostril.
ix. Replace cap and put away medication.
Use 2-3 sprays into the affected nostril(s) every four hours as needed for congestion.
The medication should begin to work within five to ten minutes and will last approximately four hours.
This product may cause stinging, burning or irritation in the nasal passage in which it is applied. Otherwise it has very few side effects.
Avoid concurrent use with MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants (risk of hypertensive crisis).
Avoid use in patients who are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Do not use for more than five consecutive days to prevent rebound congestion upon cessation of the medication. If you still need congestion relief, consult your physician or pharmacist.
Store the medication in a room temperature area away from children.
References:
1. Roy H. "Allergic Rhinitis." Patient Self‐Care: Helping Your Patient Make Therapeutic Choices. 2nd ed. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: Canadian Pharmacists Association, 2010. 171‐185.
2. Phenylephrine (Nasal). In: Lexi-Drugs (Lexicomp Online). Hudson, OH: Lexi-Comp, Inc; 2014. https://online.lexi.com/lco/action/home. Accessed July 19, 2014.