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Vicks Sinex for Nasal Congestion
Vicks Sinex Information
What is Vicks Sinex & what is it used for?
Vicks Sinex is a high-strength decongestant nasal spray. It contains the active ingredient oxymetazoline hydrochloride, which helps to provide quick-acting, non-drowsy relief from sinus congestion.
Vicks Sinex will start to take effect in minutes, with the effects lasting for up to 8 hours.
How does Vicks Sinex work?
Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride belongs to a group of medicines called decongestants. When sprayed into the nose, oxymetazoline begins to work on the alpha receptors, which are found in the walls of the blood vessels that line the nasal passages and sinuses. From here, it causes a contraction in the blood vessels, which restricts the blood flowing into the sinuses. This has the effect of reducing swelling, which eases the feeling of congestion. Oxymetazoline also reduces the production of mucus, helping to clear a blocked nose.
Oxymetazoline causes the blood vessels in the nose to contract. Because of this, only a minimal amount of the medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream from the nose. This allows Vicks Sinex to act relatively locally, limiting the chance of experiencing side effects in other parts of the body.
Vicks Sinex warnings
Please read the following warnings carefully to help ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.
Do not use Vicks Sinex Nasal Spray If:
- You are allergic to any of its active or inactive ingredients
- You are taking (or have taken during the past 2 weeks) monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors are used to treat Parkinson’s disease and depression)
- You suffer from acute heart disease
- You suffer from cardiac asthma
- You suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma (increased eyeball pressure)
- You have had your pituitary glands removed
- You have inflamed skin or mucous membranes of your nostrils
- You have scabs in your nose.
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist prior to use if any of the following apply:
- You suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure)
- You suffer from heart disease, including angina
- You have diabetes
- You have thyroid problems
- You have hypertrophy (enlarged prostate gland).
Always inform your doctor about medicines you are taking, have taken, or intend to take, before starting any new treatment. This is particularly important should you be taking any of the following medicines:
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Beta blockers
- Bromocriptine.
Vicks Sinex contains benzalkonium chloride, which is a preservative. This ingredient can cause swelling of the nasal mucosa, especially during prolonged use.
Always ensure you read all product packaging and the accompanying patient information leaflet prior to use.
Vicks Sinex directions
Adults and children over the age of 12 years:
Use 1-2 sprays into each nostril 2-3 times daily when required. Vicks Sinex should only be used for up to 7 days continuously.
Not suitable for children under 12 years of age.
Vicks Sinex ingredients
Vicks Sinex Nasal Spray contains the active ingredient:
- Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride
This medicine also contains several inactive ingredients that make up the complete product:
- Sorbitol
- Sodium citrate
- Polysorbate 80
- Benzyl alcohol
- Citric acid anhydrous
- Acesulfame
- Potassium levomenthol
- Benzalkonium chloride solution
- Cineole
- Aloes dry extract
- Disodium edetate
- Levocarvone
- Purified water.
Vicks Sinex side effects
Not everyone who uses Vicks Sinex will experience side effects. However, if you do they can include:
- Sneezing
- Dryness
- Irritation of the nose or throat
If you concerned about these side effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop taking it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
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