Type of medicine: nasal decongestant
Generic and brand names: tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride, nasal; Tyzine; Tyzine Pediatric
This medicine is used in the nose for temporary relief of nasal congestion due to colds, hay fever or other allergies, or sinus problems.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Do not take this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days. Tell your provider if you have taken MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate) or isocarboxazid (Marplan).
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Use this medicine exactly as directed. If your healthcare provider has not given you specific instructions, follow the directions that come in the medicine package. Do not use more or use it longer than directed. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about anything you do not understand.
This medicine comes in different strengths. Do not use the 0.1% strength in children under 6 years of age. Do not use the 0.5% strength in children under 2 years of age. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider about this.
Blow your nose before using the medicine.
To use the nasal spray, keep your head upright and sniff in the spray while you squeeze the bottle. Do this in both nostrils. Sniff hard for a few minutes after use. Wait a few minutes and then blow your nose gently. Spray both nostrils again if directed.
To use the nasal drops, lie down and tilt your head back. Drop the liquid into the nose using a dropper. Continue to lie down for a few minutes after using the medicine.
Rinse the tip with hot water after using, and wipe with a clean tissue. Close tightly after each use. To avoid spreading infection, do not allow others to use your medicine.
Use this medicine exactly as directed. Do not use it more often than every 3 hours. Do not use it for more than 3 days in a row without your healthcare provider's approval. If you use decongestants more often than directed, nasal congestion may get worse.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222
Symptoms of an acute overdose in children may include: extreme drowsiness, sweating.
Do not give a child under age 4 any cough and cold medicines unless specifically instructed to do so by your healthcare provider. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If your symptoms do not improve in a few days or if they get worse, tell your healthcare provider.
This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Lightheadedness, tremors, fast or slow heartbeat, chest pain, hallucinations or unusual behavior, seizures, trouble urinating, unusual drowsiness, severe sweating.
Other: Burning, dryness, or stinging in your nose; sneezing, headache, trouble sleeping, drowsiness.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
