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Overview: Nasal phenylephrine is sprayed into your nose to help improve a stuffy nose, sinus congestion, or sinus pressure. Common side effects are temporary burning, stinging, sneezing, or a runny nose right after using it. You should not use nasal phenylephrine for more than three days in a row unless your health care provider tells you to. Using too much or for too long can make your stuffy nose come back or get worse.

Uses

What is nasal phenylephrine used for?

Nasal phenylephrine is commonly used to help with the following.

Nasal phenylephrine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Phenylephrine is also available in other forms. See phenylephrine and phenylephrine ophthalmic for more information.

How does nasal phenylephrine work (mechanism of action)?

Nasal phenylephrine is a decongestant. It helps to narrow your blood vessels. This lowers swelling, inflammation, and congestion in your nose, allowing you to breathe better and helping to drain your sinuses, leading to less sinus pressure.

How is nasal phenylephrine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Neo-Synephrine

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.25% nasal spray
  • 0.5% nasal spray
  • 1% nasal spray

Phenylephrine is available in other forms. See phenylephrine ophthalmic and phenylephrine rectal for more information.

How should I store nasal phenylephrine?

Nasal phenylephrine should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C).

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of nasal phenylephrine?

The most common side effects of nasal phenylephrine are temporary burning, stinging, sneezing, or a runny nose right after using the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of nasal phenylephrine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of nasal phenylephrine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of nasal phenylephrine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Nasal phenylephrine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using nasal phenylephrine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use nasal phenylephrine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use nasal phenylephrine.

  • Neo-Synephrine
  • Phenylephrine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific nasal phenylephrine products they stock.

What should I know about nasal phenylephrine before using it?

Read and follow the directions that come with your medicine. Do not use nasal phenylephrine for more than three days in a row unless your health care provider tells you to. Using it too much or for too long can make your stuffy nose come back or get worse.

Do not share nasal phenylephrine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. Sharing a nasal spray can spread germs.

Keep nasal phenylephrine out of the reach of children.

What should I tell my health care provider before using nasal phenylephrine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if nasal phenylephrine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart problems, including coronary artery disease
  • Blood pressure problems
  • Thyroid problems
  • Diabetes
  • Trouble emptying your bladder because of a large prostate

Other Medicines and Supplements. Nasal phenylephrine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using nasal phenylephrine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how nasal phenylephrine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use nasal phenylephrine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if nasal phenylephrine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use nasal phenylephrine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does nasal phenylephrine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between nasal phenylephrine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect nasal phenylephrine.

Does nasal phenylephrine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using zavegepant (Zavzpret), which is a medicine for migraine headaches, before using nasal phenylephrine.

There may be other medicines that can interact with nasal phenylephrine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much nasal phenylephrine?

If you or someone else has used too much nasal phenylephrine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of nasal phenylephrine?

Nasal phenylephrine is meant to be used as needed. Do not use this medicine more often than every four hours. Read and follow the instructions that come with the specific nasal phenylephrine product you are using.