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Decongestant with drying agent (By mouth)

Treats runny nose and congestion caused by allergies, nasal problems, and the common cold.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to a decongestant or to an adrenergic drug such as phenylephrine, methamphetamine, or ephedrine. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant, or if you have glaucoma, a stomach ulcer, or asthma. You should not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days. Do not use this medicine during an asthma attack. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Tablet, Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
  • Talk to your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the extended-release tablet whole. Some forms of this medicine can be cut in half to make swallowing easier.
  • This medicine is not for long-term use.

If a dose is missed:

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®. Your doctor will need to know if you are using a medicine to treat impotence such as sildenafil (Viagra®).
  • Tell your doctor if you are using indomethacin (Indocin®), mecamylamine (Inversine®), methyldopa (Aldomet®), or reserpine. Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a blood pressure medicine such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, or Toprol®.
  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or overactive thyroid. Your doctor will also need to know if you have kidney disease, an enlarged prostate, or trouble urinating because of a blockage.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • Adults over 60 years old may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Chest pain or tightness.
  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Difficult or painful urination.
  • Fainting.
  • Fever.
  • Hallucinations (seeing things that are not really there).
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
  • Very fast, pounding, or uneven heart beat.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Diarrhea, constipation, or upset stomach.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
  • Ringing or buzzing sound in your ears.
  • Excessive dryness of your nose, throat, or mouth.
  • Tremors, restlessness, or agitation.
  • Trouble sleeping.
  • Unusual clumsiness or stumbling.
  • Vision changes, or blurry vision.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 12/4/2023

 

 
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