This product contains 3 medications, a decongestant and
2 antibiotics. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that is used for temporary
relief of stuffy nose caused by various conditions, including the common
cold, sinusitis, hay fever, allergies, nasal or sinus surgery. It works by
narrowing the blood vessels in the nose area. This effect reduces
swelling/stuffiness and dries up mucus. It temporarily helps you breathe
better through your nose.
This medication also contains framycetin (also known as
neomycin B) and gramicidin, antibiotics that work by stopping the growth of
bacteria.
Antibiotics treat only bacterial infections. They will
not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Bacterial
infections of the nose or sinus may need to be treated with a different
medication taken by mouth. Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can
cause it to not work for future infections.
This medication has also been used as part of an
infection control program to temporarily get rid of certain bacteria found
in the nose (Staphylococcus, also known as staph).
This medication should not be used by children younger
than 2 years.
Gently blow your nose before using this drug. Use this
product as directed by your doctor, usually 2 sprays in each nostril every
4 hours (for treating an infection or stuffy nose) or 2 sprays in each
nostril twice daily (for reducing staph bacteria in the nose). Do not use
this medication more than 6 times in 24 hours. Your dosage is based on your
medical condition and response to treatment.
Use your finger to close the nostril on the side not
receiving the medication. While keeping your head upright, place the spray
tip into the open nostril. Spray the medication into the open nostril as
you breathe in through your nose. Sniff hard a few times to be sure the
medication reaches deep into the nose. Repeat these steps for the other
nostril if needed. Avoid spraying the medication into your eyes or onto the
middle of the inside of your nose (nasal septum). Rinse the spray tip with
hot water or wipe with a clean tissue after each use. Make sure that water
does not get inside the container. Replace cap after each
use.
This medication provides only temporary relief. Do not
use this medication more often, use more sprays, or use it longer than
directed because doing so may increase the risk of side effects. Also, do
not use this medication for longer than 3 to 5 days or it may cause a
condition called rebound congestion. Symptoms of rebound congestion include
long-term redness and swelling inside the nose and increased runny nose. If
this occurs, stop using this medication and consult your doctor or
pharmacist. Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse or lasts after 3
days.
Temporary burning, stinging, dryness in the nose, and
sneezing may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- slow/fast/pounding heartbeat
- dizziness
- feeling of spinning (vertigo)
- severe/pounding headache
- hearing problems (such as ringing in the ears, hearing
loss)
- loss of balance
- mental/mood changes (such as nervousness)
- trouble sleeping
- blurred vision
Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods
may result in a new fungal infection (such as thrush). Do not use this
medication for longer than prescribed. Contact your doctor if you notice
white patches in your mouth or other new symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to framycetin or other aminoglycoside
antibiotics (such as neomycin, gentamicin); or to gramicidin; or to
phenylephrine or other sympathomimetics (such as pseudoephedrine); or if
you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive
ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to
your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- narrow-angle glaucoma
- severe dry nose (rhinitis sicca)
- diabetes
- heart/blood vessel disease (such as chest pain, stroke, heart
attack)
- high blood pressure
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a
serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors
(isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide,
phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline,
tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors
should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this
medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this
medication.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
drowsiness, slow heartbeat, fainting.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you are using this medication on a regular schedule
and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of
the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular
time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away
from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.