Nexafed

Nexafed is used to relieve nasal and sinus congestion, as well as congestion in the eustachian tubes, which are the tubes that drain fluid from your inner ears.

Nexafed may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Take with a full glass of water.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

You may need to shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment or if you have a fever.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Follow all directions on the label and package.

Use exactly as directed.

You should not use Nexafed if you are allergic to Nexafed.

Do not use Nexafed if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could happen. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

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

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

Nexafed can cause serious side effects. Stop using Nexafed and contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• dizziness;
• nervousness; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

You may be more likely to have less serious side effects, and you might not experience any at all.

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

Since Nexafed is taken as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you do have a schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not take this medication if you are also using diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (like ADHD medications). Taking a stimulant along with a decongestant can raise your chances of experiencing unpleasant side effects.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cough or cold medicine. Many combination medicines contain Nexafed or another decongestant. Taking certain products together can lead to taking too much of this kind of medicine.

Other drugs may impact Nexafed, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are using.