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Phenylephrine Non-Prescription Coupon - Phenylephrine Non-Prescription 30ml of 1% nasal spray

Phenylephrine Non-Prescription

Generic Neo-Synephrine
Used for Nasal Congestion
Used for Nasal Congestion

Phenylephrine nasal spray is a decongestant. It's used to treat nasal and sinus congestion in children and adults. The typical dose is 2 or 3 sprays every 4 hours, but for no longer than 3 days. It's typically well-tolerated, but some people might experience temporary side effects, such as stinging or sneezing, right after each spray. Phenylephrine nasal spray is available as brand name (e.g., Neo-Synephrine) and generic medications.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 5, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Phenylephrine nasal spray?

What is Phenylephrine nasal spray used for?

  • Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure

How Phenylephrine nasal spray works

Phenylephrine nasal spray is a decongestant. It's thought to work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose to relieve sinus pressure.

Are you looking for information on Neffy (epinephrine) nasal spray or phenylephrine oral tablets and liquid (Sudafed PE) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsNeo-Synephrine, Little Remedies Decongestant Nasal Drops
Drug ClassAlpha agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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$8.02(save 43.59%)
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$4.53
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What are the side effects of Phenylephrine nasal spray?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Temporary discomfort, like burning and tingling
  • Runny nose

Other Side Effects

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Increase in runny or stuffy nose

Symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed into the body

Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat

headache or dizziness

increased sweating

nervousness

paleness

trembling

trouble in sleeping

Note: The above side effects are more likely to occur in children because there is a greater chance that too much of this medicine may be absorbed into the body.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Burning, dryness, or stinging of inside of nose

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Phenylephrine nasal spray

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Pros

Available over the counter

Typically well-tolerated with few side effects

The phenylephrine 0.125% strength nasal drops can be used in children as young as 2 years old

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Cons

Might need to be used up to every 4 hours

Might be difficult for some people to use the spray correctly

Can't be used for longer than 3 days due to the risk of rebound congestion

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Phenylephrine nasal spray

pharmacist

  • Don't use phenylephrine nasal spray longer than 3 days because doing so can cause your congestion to come back or get worse. If your symptoms don't get better after 3 days, talk with your PCP about other treatment options, including home remedies.

    • You might feel temporary discomforts, such as stinging or sneezing, right after using phenylephrine nasal spray. These side effects are typically mild and go away after a while. But if they're bothersome and don't go away, let your primary care provider (PCP) know because you might need to stop using this spray.

      • If phenylephrine nasal spray isn't enough to ease your congestion, ask a member of your care team about other nasal sprays, such as fluticasone (Flonase) or sodium chloride (Ocean Nasal Spray). These medications work differently than phenylephrine nasal spray and your care team can talk with you about other available options to help with your symptoms.

        • If you're pregnant, don't use phenylephrine nasal spray until you've talked with your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) to understand the risks and benefits of this medication. There's not much research looking into how phenylephrine nasal spray might affect pregnancy, but evidence suggests oral decongestants can cause harm. Your care team can talk with you about safer options to treat your symptoms during pregnancy.

          Tips on how to use phenylephrine nasal sprays:

          • Before using phenylephrine nasal spray, blow your nose and wash your hands with soap and water. Shake the bottle gently before each use and remove the cap. Press down one nostril with your index finger to close it. Tilt your head slightly forward and place the tip of the bottle into the other nostril aiming towards the back of your head. For each dose, squeeze the bottle with firm, quick pressure while breathing in.

            • It's normal for some of the spray or drops to drip out your nose after each dose. Don't give yourself or your child any additional sprays or drops than what's recommended to try to replace what drips out. You might accidentally use too much medication and put yourself or your child at higher risk for side effects.

              • Always clean the tip of the bottle after each use. Don't share phenylephrine nasal spray with other people to avoid spreading infections.

                • Stop using phenylephrine nasal spray if you feel nervous or dizzy, or if you can't sleep after using this medication. Ask your primary care provider for other options to help with your congestion.

                  • Phenylephrine nasal spray is a decongestant, which are in many other over-the-counter medications. Using more than one medication containing a decongestant, including oral forms, can cause serious side effects, such as fast heart rate and dizziness. If you're not sure if a product has a decongestant, ask your pharmacist.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Phenylephrine nasal spray

                    How often can you use phenylephrine nasal spray?
                    According to the manufacturer's label, you can use phenylephrine nasal spray as often as every 4 hours. But don't use this medication for longer than 3 days in a row because doing so can raise the risk of rebound congestion. Note that if phenylephrine nasal spray was prescribed to you by a healthcare provider, it's possible they might give you different instructions than what's in the manufacturer's label. Talk with your healthcare team if you have more questions about using phenylephrine nasal spray.
                    Is phenylephrine nasal spray the same as Afrin?
                    No, phenylephrine nasal spray and oxymetazoline (Afrin) aren't the same, but they're similar. Both medications are nasal decongestant sprays that eases congestion by tightening the blood vessels in the nose. They're both available over the counter for adults and children. One main difference is that oxymetazoline (Afrin) typically lasts longer than phenylephrine nasal spray. It's taken every 10 to 12 hours whereas phenylephrine nasal spray is taken every 4 hours.
                    Is phenylephrine nasal spray addictive?
                    No, phenylephrine nasal spray isn't addictive. The definition of addiction is when a person continues to engage in a behavior even though it's harmful. While using phenylephrine nasal spray won't lead to addiction, you're at risk for becoming dependent on this medication if you use it for longer than 3 days in a row (rebound congestion). When this happens, phenylephrine nasal spray becomes less effective in relieving congestion and your congestion typically worsens. Talk with your healthcare team if you're concerned about rebound congestion.
                    Does phenylephrine nasal spray cause rebound congestion?
                    Yes, using phenylephrine nasal spray for longer than 3 days in a row can cause rebound congestion. This is when your congestion comes back and is typically more difficult to treat. If you've used phenylephrine nasal spray for 3 days and it's still not gone, stop using the nasal spray and contact your primary care provider. They can talk with you about other options to help with congestion and also let you know if you need more medical attention.
                    Is phenylephrine nasal spray an antihistamine?
                    No, phenylephrine nasal spray isn't an antihistamine; it's a decongestant. Antihistamine nasal sprays are used to lessen allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, or itchy, watery eyes. But phenylephrine nasal spray is used to treat nasal and sinus congestion. If needed, you can use an antihistamine nasal spray with phenylephrine nasal spray. Just be sure to space out the timing of the doses by about 15 minutes to allow some time for your nose to absorb each medication.
                    Does phenylephrine nasal spray raise blood pressure?
                    Oral phenylephrine can raise your blood pressure. But phenylephrine nasal spray is unlikely to affect your blood pressure because very little, if any, medication would get absorbed into your body. An older study suggest that phenylephrine nasal spray isn't likely to raise blood pressure. Still, because there's a potential risk, ask your primary care provider if phenylephrine nasal spray is safe for you if you have a history of heart problems.
                    Does phenylephrine nasal spray keep you awake?
                    Trouble sleeping is a typical side effect of oral phenylephrine, but it's not as likely with phenylephrine nasal spray nasal spray. If you're having trouble sleeping while using phenylephrine nasal spray, talk with your primary care provider. They can try to help you figure out if your insomnia is caused by phenylephrine nasal spray or other factors, and recommend ways to help you get better rest.
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                    What are the risks and warnings for Phenylephrine nasal spray?

                    Phenylephrine nasal spray can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    For use in the nose only

                    While phenylephrine is available in forms that can be taken by mouth, phenylephrine nasal spray should only be used in your nose. Don't give yourself or your child this medication any other way. If you feel a nasal spray isn't the best choice for you, ask your pharmacist or primary care provider for other options to treat your congestion. If you or someone else takes phenylephrine nasal spray by mouth, get medical help right away or contact a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

                    risk-warning

                    Worsening of medical conditions

                    • Risk factors: Heart disease or high blood pressure | Endocrine problems (e.g., thyroid disease, diabetes) | Trouble urinating

                      Don't use phenylephrine nasal spray if you have any of the medical conditions listed above unless your primary care provider (PCP) said it's safe to do so. Using phenylephrine nasal spray can worsen your condition(s) and cause serious side effects. Make sure your PCP knows about all medical conditions you have or have had in the past before starting phenylephrine nasal spray.

                      dosage

                      Phenylephrine nasal spray dosage forms

                      The average cost for 1 nasal spray of 30ml of 1% of Phenylephrine nasal spray is $4.56 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 43.15% off the average retail price of $8.02.
                      dropper
                      Dropper
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      30ml of 1%1 dropper$4.53$4.53
                      nasal spray
                      Nasal spray
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      30ml of 1%1 nasal spray$4.56$4.56

                      Typical dosing for Phenylephrine nasal spray

                      There are several manufacturers of phenylephrine nasal spray that might have various strengths and concentrations. The dose and age cut-offs might differ depending on the product you have. Always check the box for specific directions.

                      Some examples include:

                      Little Remedies Nasal Drops (phenylephrine 0.125%)

                      • Age 2 years to 6 years: The typical dose is to place 2 to 3 drops in each nostril, no more than every 4 hours. Don't use for longer than 3 days.

                      • Age under 2 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.

                      Neo-Synephrine Mild (phenylephrine 0.25%) nasal spray

                      • Age 6 years to under 12 years: The typical dose is to spray 2 to 3 sprays in each nostril, no more than every 4 hours. Don't use for longer than 3 days.

                      • Age under 6 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.

                      Neo-Synephrine Regular (phenylephrine 0.5%) nasal spray and generic phenylephrine 1% nasal spray

                      • Age 12 years and up: The typical dose is to spray 2 to 3 sprays in each nostril, no more than every 4 hours. Don't use for longer than 3 days.

                      • Age under 12 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Phenylephrine nasal spray and other drugs

                      Phenylephrine nasal spray may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Phenylephrine nasal spray. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                      How much does Phenylephrine nasal spray cost?

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                      Phenylephrine nasal spray (generic)
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                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Phenylephrine nasal spray?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Phenylephrine nasal spray. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Phenylephrine nasal spray
                      Used for:

                      • Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure

                      $4.53 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
                      Used for:

                      • Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure

                      $4.20 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
                      Used for:

                      • Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure

                      $4.73 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      images

                      Phenylephrine nasal spray images

                      This medicine is Colorless Nasal Spray.

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                      References

                      Best studies we found

                      Amazon.com Services LLC. (2024). Basic care nasal- phenylephrine hydrochloride spray [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      BF Ascher and Co Inc. (2023). Neo-Synephrine Mild- phenylephrine hydrochloride spray [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      BF Ascher and Co Inc. (2023). Neo-Synephrine Regular- phenylephrine hydrochloride spray [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      View All References (5)

                      MedlinePlus. (2016). Phenylephrine nasal spray.

                      Medtech Products Inc. (2025). Little Remedies Decongestant Nasal Drops- phenylephrine hydrochloride liquid [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Myers, M. G., et al. (1982). Intranasally administered phenylephrine and blood pressure. Canadian Medical Association Journal.

                      National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Drug misuse and addiction.

                      Yau, W. P., et al. (2013). Use of decongestants during pregnancy and the risk of birth defects. American Journal of Epidemiology.

                      GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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