Phenylephrine oral solution, drops

What is this medicine?

PHENYLEPHRINE (fen il EF rin) is a decongestant. It is used to relieve a stuffy nose from allergies or colds.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• chest pain

• difficulty sleeping

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• nervousness

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• pale skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache

• stomach upset, nausea

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• bromocriptine

• cocaine

• dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergoloid mesylates, methysergide, or ergot-type medication

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• other stimulant medicines

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• anesthesia

• medicines for blood pressure

• medicines for mental depression

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• diabetes

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days

• thyroid disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to phenylephrine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. See your doctor if you are not better in 7 days or if you have a fever.