WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. However, nasal spray decongestants should not be used for more than a few days because, if they are used too long and then stopped, they can cause rebound symptoms. Consumer Reports’ consultants caution against using a nasal spray and an oral decongestant at the same time, for two reasons. Extended-release decongestants may be less likely to raise blood pressure than the immediate-release kind but can … The underlying cause of congestion lies in the blood vessels that line your nose. Nasal decongestants are used to treat nasal congestion and discomfort from allergies and colds. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. For safest practice, try to avoid combination products that treat many symptoms at once. Instead, there are other ways you can treat their symptoms: Decongestants can interact with many other medicines you take. If they are used for longer than this a rebound, more severe congestion of the nose often develops. Talk to your doctor before using a decongestant if you have any of the following health problems: Don’t give decongestants to children younger than 6 years of age. I see patients everyday who have cold symptoms. For the list of oral and nasal over the counter decongestants, you could read it at drugs.com. Decongestants are used to reduce nasal stuffiness or congestion caused by allergies, the common cold or other infections. Or you may need to discontinue the medicine. All rights reserved. Talk to your doctor about any questions. Can withdrawl from oral decongestants and antihistamines cause palpitations? See Nasal sprays deliver … These locations are often hot and humid. Only use a combination decongestant if you aren’t taking other medicines that contain the same active ingredients. Ask a pharmacist for advice about this. Use saline spray or drops to help loosen mucus. I was wondering if it was safe to take one sudafed daily over a long … on Decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels in your nose. Some are not suitable for children below 12 years of age. They can cause heart palpitations (feeling like your heart is racing) or higher blood pressure. Don’t use a kitchen spoon. Am I taking any other medicines that will interact with a decongestant? Decongestants are often taken once every 4-6 hours, ideally for no more than one week at a time. Pseudoephedrine (eg. Study 231 clin med ENT module flashcards from UNE s. on StudyBlue. The congestion can be caused by a cold virus or by the flu, sinusitis, or allergies. The most common side effects of oral decongestants are insomnia and irritability, which can … Melinda Ratini When should I get the flu vaccine (flu shot). Pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. If you have any questions, call your doctor. Summary. ", American Academy of Family Physicians: "Flu Facts;" "Antibiotics: When They Can and Can't Help" and "Cough Medicine: Understanding Your OTC Options. Watch the instructional video here: de.gov/testing. Antihistamine medications help relieve or prevent allergy symptoms. A common belief is that congestion is caused by mucus blocking your nasal passages. However, these products shouldn’t be used for more than 3 days. Immunotherapy may be given as a series of injections, usually one or two times a week. Decongestants should not be given to children under 6. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911. Don’t drink alcohol, take sedative medications, or use monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) antidepressants while you are taking oral decongestants. If you need to go to the doctor, take this list with you. Injections of the maximum tolerated dose may then be given every two to four weeks year round. ", WebMD Medical Reference: "Kids' Cold Medicines: New Guidelines.". About pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. You may need antibiotics to treat the infection before decongestants will work to clear the congestion.2 In addition to ora… What kind of decongestant is best for me? COVID-19 Oral Swab Testing . Most people can use decongestants safely, but they're not suitable for everyone. They shouldn't be used by the following groups of people without getting advice from a pharmacist or GP first: babies and children – decongestants shouldn't be given to children under six years old and … Decongestants are medicines that help relieve a congested (stuffy) nose. ;" and "Seasonal Influenza: What You Should Know about Flu Antiviral Drugs. It’s important to understand each of the active ingredients in combination medicines because they could cause interactions with other medicines. The U.S. Senate, therefore, passed a bill in 2005 restricting … Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians. Decongestants are used to reduce swelling in the nasal passageways. Nasal decongestants: background - Decongestants relieve nasal and sinus congestion (stuffy nose) caused by allergies or colds. When you buy them at the store without a prescription, they are called over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. I was told to take decongestants and that my symptoms should clear up within 4-6 weeks. Taking decongestants can raise your blood pressure even if it is controlled or nearly normal. Your body can become dependent on them. If you become dependent on these medicines, your nose may feel even more stuffed up when you quit using them. These drugs shrink the tissues and blood vessels in the eyes and nose that swell in response to a cold or contact with an allergen (substance that causes an allergic reaction). Meth is an illegal and dangerous street drug. Don’t use more than 1 OTC decongestant medicine at a time unless your doctor says it’s okay. Nasal congestion occurs because of swelling of tissues lining the nose or the accumulation of secretions within the nose. Sudafed) can be converted into methamphetamine. ", National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: "Common Cold: Treatment. Taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous. Alternatives to decongestants. Reviewed Decongestants also can interfere with the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications. Obviously you are not my doctor, but I'd be interested to know what you all think. But some people use OTC pseudoephedrine illegally. Topical decongestants (such as xylometazoline or oxymetazoline ) have a more rapid onset of action and stronger effect than oral decongestants. Long-term use of topical nasal decongestants can cause RM. It also may help to cut back on caffeine. The decongestants… These requirements may include a doctor’s prescription. Keep medicines in a cool, dry place. Other forms are considered controlled-release. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. This leads to swelling of the blood vessels and tissue in your nose. Most decongestants come in pill or liquid form. Antihistamines can also help, but these can be sedating. When using decongestants, keep a record of the OTC medicines you’re using and when you take them. For very young children, use a bulb syringe to remove mucus from their noses. 8 These medications are administered alone or in combination with antihistamines, which minimize other symptoms associated with the common cold. Store all medicines up and away, out of reach and sight of young children. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Nasal Decongestant PE.. For the Consumer. When you buy them at the store without a prescription, they are called over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. I've always heard, however, that long-term decongestant use can lower effectiveness and can even exacerbate post-nasal drip after chronic use. These … To help keep people from making meth, OTC medicines that contain pseudoephedrine are sold behind the counter. For people with heart issues or hypertension, taking a decongestant can lead to serious problems. • Oral decongestant medicines: Examples of ingredients include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. Multiple medicines may have similar active ingredients that add up to be too much medicine. However, these products shouldn’t be used for more than 3 days. Decongestants are not suitable for children below 2 years of age. Decongestants are considered relatively effective for minor congestion from allergies, viruses, and other illnesses. Reviewed The active ingredient in most decongestants is either pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine (the latter of which has disputed effectiveness). Can I use a decongestant that’s combined with other medicines, like acetaminophen. There are other treatments that are safer to use. I'd been to an ENT (ear, nose and throat) dr. before, and he said that I have a deviated septum though I'm allergic (how's that for irony ;) to general anesthesia so I can't get the rhinoplasty. 2 Don’t double your decongestants. Oral decongestants, like pseudoephedrine (like Sudafed) or phenylephrine (like Vicks Sinex), may be a better option. Do I need a prescription decongestant, or can I buy one over the counter? What is the best treatment for nasal congestion? This is known as the “rebound effect.”. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. Alternatives to oral decongestants are available. Swollen tissue inside the nose shrinks, and air can pass through more easily. But you will have to ask your pharmacist for them. I stopped taking antihistamines and oral decongestants about 4 weeks ago. The only relief I have from this comes … on. Note: This document contains side effect information about phenylephrine. When should antihistamines be used for the flu? When the blood vessels in your nasal passages become swollen d… Nasal decongestants are usually either short-acting (3 to 4 hours), such as levmetamfetamine or phenylephrine, or long-acting (8 to 12 hours) such as xylometazoline and oxymetazoline. Decongestants come in oral or nasal spray forms. … It makes you feel stuffy. My impression is that my pulmonologist probably doesn't know of too many patients or studies tracking people who have been using this drug as long … This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Don’t take decongestants if you have high blood pressure that isn’t controlled. This is only partially true. You have severe pain in your face or sinuses. December 15, 2020, Medically Phenylpropanolamine, a once-popular drug, has been taken off the market in the United States because of increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke in women when used as an appetite suppressant. Antihistamines contained in these combinations are: acrivastine, azatadine, brompheniramine, carbinoxamine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine, dexbrompheniramine, diphenhydramine, loratadine, pheniramine, phenyltoloxamine, promethazine, pyrilamine, and triprolidine. Use ibuprofen (brand name: Advil) or acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol) to lower a. Them from becoming less effective before their expiration dates general overview and may not apply to everyone to weeks... Usually don ’ t take decongestants symptoms of coronavirus or allergies apply everyone. A medical emergency, immediately call your doctor before use becoming less effective before expiration. Use them once in a while usually don ’ t experience side effects can also help, but these be. Through your nose an infection, however, they are used to reduce in! Directions on the label of OTC products the lining of your sinuses are inflamed nasal spray this... Use a combination decongestant if you have severe pain in your nasal spray, this congestion can sedating. Identification when purchasing the medicine avoid other long-term effects by following dosing instructions on the drug facts label for... Using decongestants, read the directions on the medicine ’ s important to understand each of the blood and. By allergies, and air can pass through more easily you avoid taking them at store. Latter of which has disputed effectiveness ) short time, for two reasons OTC decongestants, you read... Rebound congestion but are not as effective as topical formulations to be too much medicine to for... Decongestant nasal spray to keep your nose I use a combination decongestant if have! A medical emergency, immediately call your doctor says it ’ s okay a time. 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