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Phenylephrine is used for the temporary relief of stuffy nose, sinus, and ear symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies, or other breathing illnesses (e.g., sinusitis, bronchitis). This medication works by decreasing swelling in the nose and ears, thereby lessening discomfort and making it easier to breathe.Do not use this medication in children younger than 2 years unless directed by the doctor. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not give other medications that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve stuffy nose symptoms (e.g., saline nose drops/spray, using a humidifier or infant nasal suction bulb).
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Contac-D Cold (PE) images:
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Contac-D Cold (PE)
Uses
Phenylephrine is used for the temporary relief of stuffy nose, sinus, and ear symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies, or other breathing illnesses (e.g., sinusitis, bronchitis). This medication works by decreasing swelling in the nose and ears, thereby lessening discomfort and making it easier to breathe.Do not use this medication in children younger than 2 years unless directed by the doctor. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not give other medications that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve stuffy nose symptoms (e.g., saline nose drops/spray, using a humidifier or infant nasal suction bulb).
Notes
- If this product has been prescribed, do not share this medication with others.This medication is for temporary use only.
- Do not use for more than 7 days in a row without first consulting your doctor.
Storage
- Store at room temperature at 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) or as directed on the package label, away from light and moisture.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
- US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
- Canada residents can call a local poison control center.
- Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness/fainting, hallucinations, fast/irregular heartbeat, slow/shallow breathing, vomiting, seizures.
How To Use
- If you are using the over-the-counter product, read and follow all directions on the product package before taking this medication.Take this medication by mouth with or without food or as directed by your doctor.
- Taking it with food may decrease stomach upset.If you are using the liquid, carefully measure your prescribed dose using a medication-measuring device or spoon.
- Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.If you are using chewable tablets, chew each tablet thoroughly before swallowing.If you are using a product made to dissolve in the mouth (tablets or strips), dry your hands before handling the medication.
- Place each dose on the tongue and allow to dissolve completely, then swallow it with saliva or with water.The dosage is based on your age.
- Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed without your doctor's approval.
- Improper use (abuse) of this medication may result in serious harm (e.g., hallucinations, seizure, death).If your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 7 days, if you develop fever/chills, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
Side Effects
- Mild upset stomach, trouble sleeping, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, nervousness, shaking, or fast heartbeat may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.This product may reduce blood flow to your hands or feet, causing them to feel cold.
- Smoking may worsen this effect.
- Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use.If your doctor has directed you to take this medication, remember that he or she 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/irregular heartbeat, severe/uncontrolled shaking, difficulty urinating.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, seizures, mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety, panic, unusual thoughts/behavior).A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of tongue/lips/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking phenylephrine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to pseudoephedrine/ephedrine; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood vessel problems (e.g., Raynaud's disease, low blood flow to the brain/legs/hands), high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease (e.g., angina, fast/irregular heartbeat, heart failure), mental/mood disorders (e.g., anxiety, bipolar disorder, mania), difficulty sleeping, seizure disorder, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), trouble urinating (e.g., due to enlarged prostate).This drug may make you dizzy or lightheaded.
- Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.Liquid products, chewable tablets, or dissolving tablets/strips may contain sugar or aspartame.
- Liquid products may also contain alcohol.
- Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness and lightheadedness.Caution is advised when using this product in infants and children because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially excitation and agitation.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This medication may pass into breast milk.
- Though there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you are taking this medication on a prescribed schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- If this product has been prescribed, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine).Avoid taking MAO inhibitors within 2 weeks before, during, and after treatment with phenylephrine.
- In some cases a serious, possibly fatal drug interaction may occur.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: blood pressure medications (especially reserpine, guanethidine, methyldopa, beta blockers such as atenolol, or calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine), other decongestants (taken by mouth or applied in the nose), digoxin, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine).This medication may worsen the serious side effects of some medications used for migraine headaches (e.g., sumatriptan, naratriptan, zolmitriptan, ergotamine).
- Consult your pharmacist or doctor for more details.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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