Dristan 12-Hour

Oxymetazoline is a decongestant that reduces the size of blood vessels in the nasal passages. When blood vessels are enlarged, it can lead to nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Dristan 12-Hour (for the nose) is used for short-term relief of nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by allergies or the common cold.

Dristan 12-Hour may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Dristan 12-Hour (for the nose) is used to temporarily relieve nasal congestion caused by allergies or the common cold.

Stop using Dristan 12-Hour and call your doctor immediately if your symptoms continue or get worse, or if you experience severe burning or stinging in your nose after using the nasal spray.

You should not use Dristan 12-Hour if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease;
• diabetes;
• a thyroid disorder; or
• enlarged prostate or urination problems.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known if Dristan 12-Hour will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known if oxymetazoline nasal passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Dristan 12-Hour may cause serious side effects. Stop using Dristan 12-Hour and call your doctor right away if you have:

• ongoing or worsening symptoms;
• severe burning or stinging in your nose after using the nasal spray;
• chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate; or
• severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, or feeling short of breath.

Common side effects of Dristan 12-Hour may include:

• mild burning or stinging of the nose;
• sneezing; or
• runny nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

Using the medication too long or too often may worsen your symptoms or cause nasal congestion to clear up and come back.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment.

Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. Sharing a nasal spray bottle can spread infection.

To use the nose drops (nasal solution):

• Blow your nose gently. Tilt your head back as far as possible, or lie down and hang your head over the side of a bed. Hold the dropper over your nose and place the correct number of drops into your nose.
• Sit up and bend your head slightly forward, then move it gently left and right. Stay seated with your head bent forward for a few minutes.
• Avoid sneezing or blowing your nose for at least a few minutes after using the nose drops.

To use the nasal spray:

• Blow your nose gently. Keep your head upright and insert the tip of bottle into one nostril. Press your other nostril closed with your finger. Breathe in quickly and gently spray the medicine into your nose. Then use the spray in your other nostril.
• Do not blow your nose for at least a few minutes after using the nasal spray.

Do not use the nasal spray more than 2 times in 24 hours.

Wipe the tip of the spray bottle with a clean tissue but do not wash with water or soap.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Keep Dristan 12-Hour away from children. Some nasal medications can cause serious health issues in a young child who accidentally sucks on or swallows medicine from the nasal spray bottle.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use Dristan 12-Hour if you are also using any of the following drugs:

• an antidepressant--amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline;
• ergot medicine--ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine; or
• an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Dristan 12-Hour. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.