Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Top Of Nasal Spray Flew Off When Squeezed. Severely Dry Mouth, Feeling Nausea. Should I Worry ?
Question: I used a nasal spray (active ingredient: phenylephrine), the top flew off when i squeezed, causing me to use too much. i went to sleep, woke 3hrs later due to my baby. realized my mouth was severly dry! and i felt slighty nuseas. I drank water and tried mouth wash but my mouth is still extremley dry. should i be worried? can i sleep easy or should i go to the hospital?
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Phenylephrine in nasal sprays is a vasoconstrictor and causes constriction of the local blood vessels causing decreased congestion during colds and therefore relief from running nose.
Since you have accidentally taken a large amount, it is causing severe dryness in throat and decreased salivation.
Please do not panic its effect will mostly wear off in 12_24 hours on its own.
Meanwhile you should have plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and preferably take warm water for gargles or drinking to improve the blood circulation in the oral cavity.Chewing and other
oral movements can also improve the circulation.As the effect of the phenylephrine wears off your salivary glands will start functioning optimally and your dryness and nausea will resolve.
Please do not panic as anxiety itself can cause dryness of mouth.
At present the situation is not worrisome but if symptoms persist for more than 24 hours you might need a physical examination to rule out ulcers , or local inflammation in the oral cavity caused as a complication.
I do not think a need to rush hospital unless there is no one to assist you or when you too drowsy to carry on and call 911.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards
Thanks for posting your query.
Phenylephrine in nasal sprays is a vasoconstrictor and causes constriction of the local blood vessels causing decreased congestion during colds and therefore relief from running nose.
Since you have accidentally taken a large amount, it is causing severe dryness in throat and decreased salivation.
Please do not panic its effect will mostly wear off in 12_24 hours on its own.
Meanwhile you should have plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and preferably take warm water for gargles or drinking to improve the blood circulation in the oral cavity.Chewing and other
oral movements can also improve the circulation.As the effect of the phenylephrine wears off your salivary glands will start functioning optimally and your dryness and nausea will resolve.
Please do not panic as anxiety itself can cause dryness of mouth.
At present the situation is not worrisome but if symptoms persist for more than 24 hours you might need a physical examination to rule out ulcers , or local inflammation in the oral cavity caused as a complication.
I do not think a need to rush hospital unless there is no one to assist you or when you too drowsy to carry on and call 911.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
