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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
December 18, 2025
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
December 18, 2025
Manufacturer
Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH
Registration number
M012
NDC root
64336-005

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Drug Overview

VICKS® Sinex™ SEVERE CONGESTION is a nasal decongestant that contains oxymetazoline HCl, which helps to temporarily relieve nasal congestion caused by colds, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies. It also alleviates sinus congestion and pressure, providing fast relief for these uncomfortable symptoms.

This product is designed to offer 12-hour relief, making it a convenient option for those seeking to ease sinus pressure and nasal congestion. Additionally, it features a powerful rush of VICKS Vapors, enhancing the soothing experience.

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 than once every 10 to 12 hours. Remember, you should not exceed 2 doses in a 24-hour period. If the user is a child between 2 and 6 years old, consult a doctor before use, and do not use this medication for children under 2 years old.

What to Avoid

It's important to use this product safely to ensure your well-being. You should never exceed the recommended dosage, as doing so can lead to unwanted effects. Additionally, avoid using 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 provided and use the product only as directed to minimize any potential risks. If you have any concerns or questions about your usage, please consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

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 the product, make sure not to exceed the recommended dosage and avoid using 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 your symptoms persist, stop using the product and contact your doctor. In case of accidental swallowing, seek emergency medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a healthcare professional before using this product.

Overdose

If you or someone else has swallowed a medication and you suspect an overdose, it’s important to act quickly. Contact a medical professional or call a Poison Control Center immediately for guidance. They can provide you with the necessary steps to take based on the specific situation.

Signs of an overdose can vary, but they may include unusual drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Remember, it’s always better to be safe and get help if you’re unsure.

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

While there is no specific information available about the use of this medication in older adults, it’s important to approach any new treatment with caution. If you or a loved one is an older adult, it’s always a good idea to discuss any medications with a healthcare provider. They can help ensure that the treatment is safe and appropriate, considering any unique health needs or conditions that may be present.

Since there are no dosage adjustments or special precautions mentioned for elderly patients, your healthcare provider will be the best resource for personalized advice. Always keep them informed about any other medications or health issues to help manage your care effectively.

Renal Impairment

If you have kidney problems, it's important to consult your doctor before using this medication, especially if you experience difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Your healthcare provider can help determine if this medication is safe for you and may suggest adjustments to your dosage or additional monitoring to ensure your safety. Always prioritize open communication with your doctor regarding your kidney health and any concerns you may have.

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 share your complete list of medications and any recent lab tests to avoid any potential issues. Your health and safety should always come first.

Storage and Handling

To ensure the safety and effectiveness of your product, store it at a temperature not exceeding 25ºC (77ºF). This helps maintain its quality and performance. When handling the product, make sure to do so in a clean environment to avoid contamination. Always follow any specific instructions provided for use and disposal to ensure safety and compliance.

Additional Information

You should use this medication by spraying it into your nostrils. The recommended dosage is 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril, and you should not use it more often than every 10 to 12 hours. Make sure not to exceed 2 doses within a 24-hour period to ensure safe use.

FAQ

What is VICKS® Sinex™ SEVERE CONGESTION used for?

VICKS® Sinex™ SEVERE CONGESTION is a nasal decongestant that temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to a cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies, as well as sinus congestion and pressure.

How should I use VICKS® Sinex™ SEVERE CONGESTION?

Remove the protective cap, prime the pump by pressing its rim several times, then insert the nozzle into your nostril and fully depress the rim while inhaling deeply.

What is the recommended dosage for adults and children over 6?

Adults and children 6 years and older should use 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril, not more often than every 10 to 12 hours, and should not exceed 2 doses in 24 hours.

Are there any side effects associated with this product?

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 should I do if symptoms persist?

If symptoms persist, you should stop using the product and ask a doctor for advice.

Can I use VICKS® Sinex™ SEVERE CONGESTION if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should ask a health professional before using this product.

What precautions should I take before using this product?

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 store VICKS® Sinex™ SEVERE CONGESTION?

Store the product at no greater than 25ºC.

What should I do in case of accidental swallowing?

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

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

The protective cap should be removed prior to use. For first-time use, it is essential to prime the pump by firmly depressing its rim several times until a fine mist is produced. The container should be held with the thumb at the base and the nozzle positioned between the first and second fingers. The nozzle must be inserted into the nostril without tilting the head. A firm, even stroke should be applied to fully depress the rim while inhaling deeply.

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

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in patients who exceed the recommended dosage or utilize it for more than three consecutive days. Prolonged or frequent use may lead to a recurrence or worsening of nasal congestion. It is essential to adhere strictly to the directed usage guidelines to avoid potential complications.

Warnings and Precautions

Patients should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this product if they have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland.

When utilizing this product, it is imperative to adhere strictly to the recommended dosage. The product should not be used for more than three consecutive days, and it should only be used as directed. 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 an increase in nasal discharge. Additionally, sharing this container with others may pose a risk of spreading infection.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and seek medical advice if symptoms persist. In the event of accidental ingestion, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or contact with a Poison Control Center is recommended.

For individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using this product to ensure safety for both the mother and child.

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 product is contraindicated in children under 2 years of age. For children 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

Elderly patients may not have specific information regarding the use of this medication, including dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Therefore, healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any adverse effects or changes in therapeutic response, given the lack of targeted data for this population.

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

Patients with renal impairment should consult a healthcare professional prior to use, particularly if they experience difficulties urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. It is essential to assess renal function and consider potential dosing adjustments or monitoring requirements based on the degree of impairment.

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 intervention is crucial. If the substance is ingested, it is imperative to seek medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that prompt action can significantly influence the outcome of an overdosage situation. Symptoms of overdosage may vary depending on the specific substance involved; therefore, a thorough assessment and monitoring of the patient are essential.

Management procedures may include supportive care and symptomatic treatment, tailored to the individual patient's needs. Continuous evaluation and appropriate interventions should be implemented as necessary to ensure patient safety and recovery.

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

No postmarketing experience details are available in the insert text.

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 their 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 during use. Additionally, it is important to inform patients that sharing this container with others may spread infection.

Healthcare providers should also encourage patients 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 difficulty 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 25ºC to maintain its integrity and efficacy. Proper storage conditions should be observed to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered via the nasal route, with a recommended dosage of 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril. Dosing should not occur more frequently than every 10 to 12 hours, and patients should not exceed 2 doses within a 24-hour period. No additional information is 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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Primary FDA sources:

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.