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What is the most important information I should know about tetrahydrozoline nasal?

Do not use tetrahydrozoline nasal if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

Before using tetrahydrozoline nasal, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have heart disease, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a thyroid disorder.

The adult dose of this medication (0.1% nasal spray) should not be used in a child younger than 6 years old. The child's dose (0.05% pediatric drops) should not be used in a child younger than 2 years old.

What is tetrahydrozoline nasal?

Tetrahydrozoline is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Tetrahydrozoline nasal is used to treat nasal and sinus congestion.

Tetrahydrozoline nasal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking tetrahydrozoline nasal?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to tetrahydrozoline. Do not use tetrahydrozoline nasal if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

Before using tetrahydrozoline nasal, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• heart disease or coronary artery disease;

• high blood pressure;

• diabetes; or

• a thyroid disorder.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether tetrahydrozoline nasal passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child without a doctor's advice.

How should I take tetrahydrozoline nasal?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

The adult dose of this medication (0.1% nasal spray) should not be used in a child younger than 6 years old. The child's dose (0.05% pediatric drops) should not be used in a child younger than 2 years old.

Use the nasal spray while standing or sitting, with your head upright. Tilt your head forward slightly, keep the bottle upright, and carefully insert the nasal applicator into your nostril. Squeeze the bottle quickly and sniff deeply at the same time.

If a second spray is required in that nostril, repeat the above steps.

To use the nasal drops, it is best to be lying down.

Store tetrahydrozoline nasal at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since tetrahydrozoline is often used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are using the medication regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, blurred vision, severe sweating, slow heart rate, trouble breathing, and feeling light-headed or fainting.