Nalex-A

Nalex-A

Nalex-A

What is Nalex-A?

Phenylephrine is a decongestant that narrows the blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can lead to nasal congestion (nasal congestion).

Nalex-A is a combination medicine used to treat cough, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes caused by allergies, cold, or flu.

Nalex-A does not treat coughs caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Nalex-A may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Side effects

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

This medicine can cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor immediately if you have:

• fast or uneven heart rate;

• heart palpitations or fluttering in the chest;

• painful or difficult urination, little or no urination;

• tremors, seizures (convulsions); or

• Visual disturbances, severe dizziness, feeling like you might faint.

Common side effects of Nalex-A may include:

• headache, dizziness, drowsiness;

• dry mouth, nose or throat;

• stomach problems, loss of appetite, nausea, constipation;

• blurred vision;

• sleep problems (insomnia); or

• Restlessness or excitement (especially in children).

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

Warnings

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. Dangerous drug interactions could occur. MAOIs include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Before you take this medicine

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. Dangerous drug interactions could occur. MAOIs include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);

• high blood pressure, heart disease, coronary artery disease;

• Glaucoma;

• liver or kidney disease;

• asthma or COPD, coughing up mucus or smoking-induced cough, emphysema or chronic bronchitis;

• bladder congestion or other problems with urination;

• pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland);

• Overactive thyroid; or

• if you take potassium (Cytra, Epiklor, K-Lyte, K-Phos, Kaon, Klor-Con, Polycitra, Urocit-K).

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

This medicine may pass into breast milk and may harm a breast-fed baby. Antihistamines and decongestants can also slow breast milk production. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

How should I take Nalex-A?

Use exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller quantities or for longer than recommended. Cough or cold medications are usually only taken for a short time until symptoms subside.

Do not give this medication to children under 4 years of age.Always consult a doctor before giving cough or cold medicine to a child.In very young children, misuse of cough and cold medicines can cause death.

Do not crush, chew or breakExtended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

Measure liquid medications using a special measuring spoon or medication cup. If you don't have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor in advance whether you have taken this medicine in the last few days.

Do not take more than 7 days in a row. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment or if you have a fever with a headache or rash.

Store at room temperature, protected from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because Nalex-A is taken as needed, you may not need to follow a dosing schedule. If you take the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Nalex-A?

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Nalex-A.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any other cold, cough, allergy, or sleep medicine. Antihistamines and decongestants are included in many combination preparations. Taking certain products at the same time may cause you to take too much of a particular medication. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine or decongestant.

This medication may cause blurred vision and affect your thinking or reactions. Be careful when driving or doing anything that requires your attention and clear vision.

Avoid overheating or dehydration during exercise and in hot weather. Chlorpheniramine and phenyltoloxamine may decrease sweating and may make you more susceptible to heat stroke.

What other drugs will affect chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, and phenyltoloxamine?

Tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Taking Nalex-A with other medicines that make you sleepy or slow your breathing may worsen these effects. Consult your doctor before taking Nalex-A with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain reliever, muscle relaxant, or anti-anxiety, depression, or seizure medication.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.