Sudafed decongestant nasal spray

How does it work?

Sudafed decongestant nasal spray contains the active ingredient xylometazoline, which is a type of medicine called a sympathomimetic. It is used to relieve a blocked nose.

Xylometazoline works by acting on alpha receptors found in the walls of blood vessels in the lining of the nasal passages. It causes the blood vessels in the nasal lining to narrow, restricting the amount of blood that passes through these blood vessels. This in turn decreases the amount of fluid pushed out of the blood vessels into the nose. This reduces the production of mucus and feeling of congestion in the nose.

Sudafed nasal spray can be used to relieve a blocked nose associated with conditions such as allergies, colds and flu.

What is it used for?

Relieving nasal congestion associated with colds, flu, sinusitis and nasal allergies.

Warning!

Avoid prolonged use.

The effect of this medicine will decrease if used repeatedly over a period of time. In addition, nasal congestion may come back (rebound congestion) after stopping treatment if the medicine is used for too long. It is recommended that you don't use the spray for more than seven days in a row.

Use with caution in

Heart disease

High blood pressure

Overactive thyroid gland

Diabetes.

Not to be used in

Children under 12 years of age

Pregnancy

People who have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant (eg phenelzine, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine or moclobemide) in the last 14 days.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use by pregnant women. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Irritation of the tissues in the nose

Burning, stinging or dryness of nasal lining

Sneezing

Headache

Nausea

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved