What is 12 Hour Decongestant: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

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12 Hour Decongestant overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • 12-Hour Cold Relief, 12 Hour Decongestant, Children's Sudafed, Congestion, Contac 12-Hour, Genaphed, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Nasal Decongestant, Good Neighbor Suphedrine Children's, Good Sense 12 Hour Decongestant, Good Sense Nasal Decongestant, Health Mart Nasal Decongestant, Kodet Se, Leader 12-Hour Nasal Decongestant, Leader Nasal Decongestant, Nasal Decongestant, 12 Hour Decongestant, 12-Hour Nasal, 4-Way Long Lasting, Afrin, Afrin Extra Moisturizing, Afrin No Drip, Afrin No-Drip Sinus, Afrin PumpMist, Afrin Sinus, Afrin w/Menthol, Children's Mucinex Stuffy Nose Spray, Dristan 12-Hr, Duramist Plus, Good Neighbor Nasal Spray Pump, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Nasal Spray

Generic Names:

  • 12 Hour Decongestant

Uses:

  • Helps relieve a stuffy nose., Treats stuffy nose and sinuses.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Decongestant, Decongestant

Forms:

  • Spray, Long Acting Capsule, Capsule, Long Acting Tablet, Tablet, Liquid, Chewable Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth, Into the nose

What is 12 Hour Decongestant used for?

What form(s) does 12 Hour Decongestant come in

  • Spray

  • Long Acting Capsule

  • Capsule

  • Long Acting Tablet

  • Tablet

  • Liquid

  • Chewable Tablet

What are common 12 Hour Decongestant doses?

  • Bottle 30ML of 0.05%

Common 12 Hour Decongestant prescriptions

  • 12 Hour Decongestant
    30ml of 0.05% bottle

How to take 12 Hour Decongestant

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription. If this medicine makes you feel restless, avoid taking it at bedtime.

  • Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or break.

  • The chewable tablet must be chewed completely before you swallow it. Do not swallow it whole.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription. If this medicine makes you feel restless, avoid taking it at bedtime.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • The chewable tablet must be chewed completely before you swallow it. Do not swallow it whole.

  • Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or break.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Nasal routeIf you are using the nasal spray for the first time, you will need to prime the spray. To do this, pump or squeeze the bottle until some of the medicine sprays out. Now it is ready to use. Prime the spray after each time you clean the pump, or if you have not used the medicine for 5 days or longer.

  • Shake the nasal spray well before each use.

  • Nasal routeBefore using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.

  • Keep your head upright while spraying the medicine into each nostril. Repeat until you have used 2 to 3 sprays in each nostril.

  • Do not use more than two times in 24 hours, unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Do not share this medicine with other people.

  • Nasal routeAfter using the nasal spray, wipe the tip of the bottle with a clean tissue and put the cap back on.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Nasal routeKeep the bottle tightly closed when not using it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.

  • Do not share this medicine with other people.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Nasal routeBefore using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Shake the nasal spray well before each use.

  • Nasal routeKeep the bottle tightly closed when not using it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Do not use more than two times in 24 hours, unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Nasal routeIf you are using the nasal spray for the first time, you will need to prime the spray. To do this, pump or squeeze the bottle until some of the medicine sprays out. Now it is ready to use. Prime the spray after each time you clean the pump, or if you have not used the medicine for 5 days or longer.

  • Keep your head upright while spraying the medicine into each nostril. Repeat until you have used 2 to 3 sprays in each nostril.

  • Nasal routeAfter using the nasal spray, wipe the tip of the bottle with a clean tissue and put the cap back on.

What to do if you miss a dose of 12 Hour Decongestant

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

12 Hour Decongestant contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to pseudoephedrine. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to oxymetazoline.

12 Hour Decongestant warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, or an enlarged prostate.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Do not use this medicine for more than 3 days unless your doctor tell you to.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Check with your doctor before using if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate, or an overactive thyroid.

  • You should not use this medicine for more than 7 days unless ordered by a doctor.

  • If you do not get better after using this medicine for 7 days, or if you have a fever, talk to your doctor.

  • Wheezing or shortness of breath

  • Convulsions (seizures)

  • Severe restlessness

  • Hallucinations

12 Hour Decongestant interactions

  • You should not use pseudoephedrine with cocaine or monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (Parnate®, Marplan®, Eldepryl®).

  • You should not use this medicine for more than 7 days unless ordered by a doctor.

  • If you do not get better after using this medicine for 7 days, or if you have a fever, talk to your doctor.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, or an enlarged prostate.

  • Do not use this medicine for more than 3 days unless your doctor tell you to.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

12 Hour Decongestant side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Convulsions (seizures)

  • Hallucinations

  • Severe restlessness

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Chest pain

  • Very fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

  • Wheezing or shortness of breath

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Burning or stinging inside of your nose

  • Nausea or upset stomach

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Headache

  • Nervousness or dizziness

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