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Vicks Sinex Severe Congestion

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Active ingredient
Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride 0.0005 g/1 mL
Other brand names
Drug class
Vasoconstrictor
Dosage form
Spray
Route
Nasal
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2026
Label revision date
March 12, 2026
Active ingredient
Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride 0.0005 g/1 mL
Other brand names
Drug class
Vasoconstrictor
Dosage form
Spray
Route
Nasal
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
CSA schedule
Not a scheduled drug
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2026
Label revision date
March 12, 2026
Manufacturer
Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH,
Registration number
M012
NDC root
64336-003

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Drug Overview

VICKS® Sinex™ is a nasal decongestant that contains oxymetazoline HCl. It is designed to temporarily relieve nasal congestion caused by colds, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies. Additionally, it helps alleviate sinus congestion and pressure, providing fast relief for up to 12 hours.

This medication is available in a convenient 15 mL (0.5 FL OZ) bottle, making it easy to use when you need quick relief from nasal and sinus discomfort.

Uses

If you're dealing with nasal congestion from a cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies, this medication can help provide temporary relief. It also works to ease sinus congestion and pressure, making it easier for you to breathe comfortably.

You can rely on this treatment to help alleviate those bothersome symptoms, allowing you to feel more at ease during your recovery.

Dosage and Administration

To use this medication, start by removing the protective cap from the nozzle. If you’re using it for the first time, you’ll need to prime the pump. Do this by pressing down on the rim several times until you see a fine mist. Next, hold the container with your thumb at the base and the nozzle between your first and second fingers.

When you’re ready to apply the spray, insert the nozzle into one nostril without tilting your head. Firmly press down on the rim to release the spray while inhaling deeply. For adults and children aged 6 years and older (with adult supervision), you can use 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril, but make sure not to do this more often than every 10 to 12 hours. Remember, you should not exceed 2 doses in a 24-hour period. If the user is a child aged 2 to under 6 years, consult a doctor before use, and this medication is not recommended for children under 2 years old.

What to Avoid

It's important to use this product safely to avoid potential issues. Make sure you do not exceed the recommended dosage, as taking more than advised can lead to complications. Additionally, you should not use this product for more than three days. Using it longer than directed may cause your nasal congestion to come back or even worsen.

Always follow the instructions carefully to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the product. If you have any questions or concerns about its use, consider consulting a healthcare professional.

Side Effects

You may experience some temporary discomfort when using this product, which can include burning, stinging, sneezing, or an increase in nasal discharge. If you use it frequently or for a long time, you might find that nasal congestion returns or even worsens.

If your symptoms continue, it's important to stop using the product and consult a doctor for further advice.

Warnings and Precautions

Before using this product, it's important to consult your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland.

While using this product, make sure to follow the recommended dosage and do not use it for more than three days. Overuse can lead to worsening nasal congestion. You might experience temporary discomfort, such as burning, stinging, sneezing, or increased nasal discharge. Additionally, sharing this product with others can spread infections.

If you accidentally swallow the product, seek emergency medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. If your symptoms do not improve, stop using the product and reach out to your doctor for further advice.

Overdose

If you or someone else has swallowed a medication and you suspect an overdose, it’s important to act quickly. Get medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center. They can provide guidance on what to do next.

Signs of an overdose can vary, but they may include unusual symptoms that are not typical for the medication. If you notice any concerning changes in behavior or health, don’t hesitate to seek help. Remember, it’s always better to be safe and get professional advice in these situations.

Pregnancy Use

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using this medication. They can provide guidance on whether it’s safe for you and your baby. Always prioritize your health and the health of your child by seeking expert advice.

Lactation Use

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication. This ensures that you understand any potential risks and can make informed decisions about your health and the health of your baby. Always prioritize open communication with your doctor regarding your breastfeeding journey.

Pediatric Use

If you have a child aged 2 to under 6 years, it's important to consult with a doctor before using this medication. For children under 2 years old, you should not use this product at all.

For children aged 6 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril, but make sure to space these doses at least 10 to 12 hours apart. It's crucial not to exceed 2 doses within a 24-hour period, and adult supervision is advised during use. Always prioritize your child's safety and well-being by following these guidelines.

Geriatric Use

When considering the use of Vicks Sinex Severe Congestion Original Ultra Fine Mist for older adults, it's important to note that the drug insert does not provide specific information about its use in this age group. This means that there may not be tailored guidelines or dosage recommendations specifically for older adults.

If you are caring for an older adult, it's wise to consult with a healthcare professional before using this product. They can help determine if it's appropriate based on individual health needs and any other medications being taken. Always prioritize safety and ensure that any treatment aligns with the specific health considerations of older adults.

Renal Impairment

If you have kidney problems, it's important to know that the drug insert does not provide specific information about dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations for your condition. This means that there are no tailored guidelines for how this medication may affect you if your kidneys are not functioning properly.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that any medication you take is safe and appropriate for your kidney health. They can help monitor your condition and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Hepatic Impairment

If you have liver problems, it's important to know that the drug insert does not provide specific information about dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or precautions for your condition. This means that there are no tailored guidelines for how this medication may affect you if you have hepatic impairment (issues with liver function).

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your liver health and medication use. They can help ensure that you receive the safest and most effective treatment.

Drug Interactions

It's important to have open conversations with your healthcare provider about any medications or tests you may be taking. While there are no specific drug interactions or laboratory test interactions noted for this medication, your healthcare provider can help ensure that everything you are taking works well together and is safe for you.

Always feel free to ask questions and share your complete list of medications and any lab tests you may be undergoing. This way, you can receive the best possible care tailored to your needs.

Storage and Handling

To ensure the safety and effectiveness of your product, store it at a temperature not exceeding 25°C (77°F). This helps maintain its quality and performance.

When handling the product, be sure to follow any specific instructions provided to avoid contamination or damage. Always keep it in a clean environment to ensure it remains safe for use. If you have any questions about disposal or further handling, consult the guidelines provided with your product.

Additional Information

You will use this medication through your nose (nasal administration). The recommended dosage is 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril, and you should not use it more often than every 12 hours. Make sure not to exceed 2 doses in a 24-hour period to ensure safe use.

FAQ

What is VICKS® Sinex™?

VICKS® Sinex™ is an oxymetazoline HCl nasal decongestant that temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to a cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies.

How does VICKS® Sinex™ work?

It works by temporarily relieving nasal congestion and sinus pressure.

What is the recommended dosage for adults and children 6 years and older?

The recommended dosage is 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril, not more often than every 10 to 12 hours, and do not exceed 2 doses in 24 hours.

Can children use VICKS® Sinex™?

Children 2 to under 6 years should ask a doctor before use, and it is not recommended for children under 2 years.

What should I do if symptoms persist?

You should stop using VICKS® Sinex™ and ask a doctor if symptoms persist.

Are there any side effects?

Temporary discomfort such as burning, stinging, sneezing, or increased nasal discharge may occur. Frequent or prolonged use may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen.

What precautions should I take before using VICKS® Sinex™?

Ask a doctor before use if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland.

How should I use VICKS® Sinex™?

Remove the protective cap, prime the pump by firmly depressing its rim several times, hold the container with your thumb at the base, insert the nozzle into your nostril, and fully depress the rim while inhaling deeply.

What should I do if I accidentally swallow VICKS® Sinex™?

If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Is it safe to use VICKS® Sinex™ during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should ask a health professional before use.

Packaging Info

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Vicks Sinex Severe Congestion (oxymetazoline hydrochloride). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Vicks Sinex Severe Congestion.
Details

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Vicks Sinex Severe Congestion, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)

Description

No description information is available for the specified drug.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of nasal congestion associated with colds, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies. Additionally, it provides temporary relief from sinus congestion and pressure.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this drug.

Dosage and Administration

Before administration, the protective cap must be removed. For first-time use, the pump should be primed by firmly depressing its rim several times to ensure proper function. The container should be held with the thumb at the base and the nozzle positioned between the first and second fingers. The nozzle should be inserted into the nostril without tilting the head. The rim should be fully depressed with a firm, even stroke while inhaling deeply.

For adults and children aged 6 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 to 3 sprays in each nostril, not to be administered more frequently than every 10 to 12 hours. The maximum allowable dosage is 2 doses within a 24-hour period. For children aged 2 to under 6 years, consultation with a physician is advised prior to use. The product is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age.

Contraindications

There are no specific contraindications identified for this product. However, it is essential to adhere to the following guidelines to ensure safe use:

  • Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

  • Do not use this product for more than 3 days. Prolonged or frequent use may lead to a recurrence or worsening of nasal congestion.

These precautions are critical to prevent potential adverse effects associated with misuse.

Warnings and Precautions

Healthcare professionals should exercise caution when recommending this product. Prior to use, it is imperative to consult a physician if the patient has any of the following conditions: heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland.

When administering this product, it is essential to adhere to the recommended dosage and duration of use. Patients should not exceed the recommended dosage and should limit use to no more than three days. Prolonged or frequent use may lead to a recurrence or worsening of nasal congestion. Users may experience temporary discomfort, which can include burning, stinging, sneezing, or increased nasal discharge. Additionally, it is important to note that sharing this container with others may facilitate the spread of infection.

In the event of accidental ingestion, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or the Poison Control Center should be contacted without delay.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to discontinue use and consult a physician if symptoms persist.

Side Effects

Patients using this product may experience temporary discomfort, which can include burning, stinging, sneezing, or increased nasal discharge. These side effects are generally mild and transient. However, it is important to note that frequent or prolonged use of the product may lead to a recurrence or worsening of nasal congestion.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

Drug Interactions

There are currently no documented drug interactions associated with this medication. Additionally, there is no information available regarding interactions with laboratory tests. As such, no specific recommendations for dosage adjustments or monitoring are warranted at this time.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Vicks Sinex Severe Congestion (oxymetazoline hydrochloride). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Vicks Sinex Severe Congestion.
Details

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients aged 2 to under 6 years should consult a healthcare professional before use. The medication is not recommended for children under 2 years of age. For patients aged 6 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril, administered no more frequently than every 10 to 12 hours, with a maximum of 2 doses within a 24-hour period. Administration should occur under adult supervision.

Geriatric Use

There is no specific information regarding the use of Vicks Sinex Severe Congestion Original Ultra Fine Mist in geriatric patients. Therefore, healthcare providers should exercise caution when administering this product to elderly patients. It is advisable to monitor for any adverse effects or changes in response to treatment, as older adults may have altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Additionally, healthcare providers should consider individual patient factors, including comorbidities and concurrent medications, when determining the appropriateness of this product for geriatric patients.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. The potential risks and benefits must be carefully weighed, as the effects on fetal outcomes and lactation are not fully established. It is essential for women of childbearing potential to seek medical advice to ensure safe use during pregnancy and lactation.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is currently no available data regarding the excretion of this medication in human breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when administering this medication to lactating individuals.

Renal Impairment

There is no specific information regarding renal impairment, dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations for patients with reduced kidney function provided in the drug insert. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with renal impairment, as the lack of data may necessitate individualized assessment and monitoring based on the patient's overall clinical status.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to this drug. Consequently, there are no dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions outlined for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with hepatic impairment, given the lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population. Regular monitoring of liver function may be prudent in these cases, although specific parameters are not defined in the prescribing information.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdosage, immediate medical assistance is crucial. If the substance is ingested, healthcare professionals should advise patients or caregivers to seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center without delay.

Prompt intervention is essential to mitigate potential adverse effects associated with overdosage. Symptoms may vary depending on the specific substance involved; therefore, a thorough assessment by a medical professional is recommended to determine the appropriate course of action.

Management procedures may include supportive care and symptomatic treatment, tailored to the individual patient's needs. It is imperative that healthcare providers remain vigilant and prepared to address any complications that may arise from an overdosage scenario.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects have been reported in the available nonclinical studies. Additionally, there is no information regarding animal pharmacology and toxicology. The absence of data limits the assessment of potential risks associated with the compound in these areas.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has revealed reports of adverse reactions, including nasal congestion, burning, stinging, sneezing, and increased nasal discharge. Additionally, there have been reports of infections associated with the use of this product when used by more than one person.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this product out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Patients should be instructed to stop using the product and consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

When using this product, it is essential to emphasize that patients must not exceed the recommended dosage and should not use it for more than three days. They should use the product only as directed, as frequent or prolonged use may lead to a recurrence or worsening of nasal congestion. Patients may experience temporary discomfort, including burning, stinging, sneezing, or increased nasal discharge.

Additionally, healthcare providers should inform patients that the use of this container by more than one person may increase the risk of spreading infection.

Patients should be encouraged to consult a doctor before using this product if they have any of the following conditions: heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for identification. It is essential to store the product at a temperature not exceeding 25°C to maintain its integrity and efficacy. Proper storage conditions should be observed to ensure optimal performance.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered via the nasal route, with a recommended dosage of 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril, not to be taken more frequently than every 12 hours. Patients should not exceed 2 doses within a 24-hour period. There is no additional information available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, patient counseling, or postmarketing experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Vicks Sinex Severe Congestion, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)

Data Generation & Sources

This page was automatically generated and is maintained by the AllDrugs AI Data-Science Team. It was built from the FDA Structured Product Label (DailyMed) for Vicks Sinex Severe Congestion, retrieved by a validated AI data-extraction workflow.

All FDA-listed dosage forms and strengths are shown in the Packaging & NDC Codes section above. Regulatory status appears in the Summary Information panel above and was verified in the FDA National Drug Code directory and the NSDE NDC Directory daily file.

Note: an automated daemon monitors NSDE checksums; when the record for this NDC changes, the new file is pulled instantly and this page is refreshed.

No human clinician has reviewed this version.

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Orange Book data shown on this page are limited to Regulatory Status (Rx), Established Pharmacologic Class (EPC), and Mechanism of Action (MoA).

Regulatory data notice: Information on this page is reproduced verbatim from FDA public databases (NSDE, Orange Book, Purple Book, DailyMed SPL). NDA/ANDA drugs are FDA-approved, BLA biologics are FDA-licensed. Inclusion alone does not guarantee current market availability or imply FDA endorsement.

Medical disclaimer: This AI-generated content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment decisions.