Is Phenylephrine Safe To Use For Stuff Nose?

Posted on Sun, 4 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 4 May 2014 Answered on

Sat, 24 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : my son is eight and has a pretty bad stuffy nose i was wondering if he can use Phenylephrine XXXXXXX 0.05% i can't find the 0.25% in the store and would like to get him relief for the night. he's allergic to Oxymetazoline XXXXXXX 0.05%

Answered by Dr. Arun (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes you can

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to health care magic
Yes you can use phenylephrine 0.05%.
But make sure you don't administer more than one drop in each nostril.
This decongestant can be given maximum two or three times in a day. Upto 3 days only.
Regards
Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Arun (5 minutes later)

I've also give him oral phenylephrine (sudafed), is the nasal spray ok in conjunction with the oral aid?

Answered by Dr. Arun (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
keep it minimum

Detailed Answer:
If you have already given oral , then restrict nasal spary to once or twice a day only if congestion is severe.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D