When you have a cold or allergies , your immune system responds by sending a flood of white blood cells to your nasal area to combat the invading virus or allergen. This combination of narrower nasal passages and increased mucus create the feeling of a blocked, stuffy nose — in other words, nasal congestion. Nasal decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels in the lining of the nose.
This reduces the blood flow through the area. The swollen tissue inside the nose then shrinks and allows air to pass through more easily, easing congestion. A wide variety of drugs are used for their nasal decongestant effect. Many over-the-counter cold or allergy medications feature one of these ingredients, although sometimes a remedy will include two or more of the drugs to target more symptoms. Always make sure you read the product label and choose a remedy that targets your particular symptoms.
Ask your doctor for advice if you are not sure. Speak to your doctor before using a nasal decongestant if you have any of the following pre-existing conditions: 4. FLONASE products relieve congestion, but also target other allergy symptoms, including sneezing, runny or itchy nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Always read the directions on the product label before use. See product pages for full information. All the information you need to lead a life that's not limited by allergies.
See the leaflet that came with your medicines for more detailed information on the side-effects of these medicines. There are a large number of oral and nasal decongestants that you can buy from your local pharmacy or supermarket. They come in many different brand names.
See the leaflet that came with your medicines for more detailed information on who should avoid taking these medicines. If you are unsure whether these medicines are safe for you, always ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice. If you think you have had a side-effect to one of your medicines you can report this on the Yellow Card Scheme. You can do this online at www.
The Yellow Card Scheme is used to make pharmacists, doctors and nurses aware of any new side-effects that medicines or any other healthcare products may have caused. If you wish to report a side-effect, you will need to provide basic information about:. Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions.
Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.
In this series. These medicines are not suitable for children under 6 years old. In this article What are decongestants? How do decongestants work? When are decongestants used or prescribed? Some important considerations What about side-effects?
Can I buy decongestants? Who cannot take decongestants? Decongestants In this article What are decongestants? What are decongestants? Conditions which cause congestion include: The common cold. Hay fever or other allergies. A number of decongestants are available in the UK. They include: Ephedrine Oxymetazoline Xylometazoline Phenylephrine Pseudoephedrine Ipratropium bromide Some are available as sprays or drops that can be put into the nose sometimes referred to as topical decongestants.
For example, the following may be helpful: Salt water saline nose drops. These are a popular treatment for a bunged-up nose in a baby. Steam inhalations. Steam may help to clear the nasal congestion but only has an effect for a short time.
Other brand name medications that contain pseudoephedrine include:. In addition to being used as a decongestant, this drug is also used to prevent ear problems due to pressure changes when flying or SCUBA diving. While pseudoephedrine is technically an over-the-counter medication, it faces certain limitations on its availability because it has been used to make methamphetamines. That means:. Sudafed PE and generic phenylephrine are also available in different forms:.
Phenylephrine, too, is used in many combination cold and flu products. In addition, it is in some hemorrhoid treatments because of its ability to constrict blood vessels. Other brand name products that contain phenylephrine include:. There are no limits on how much you can buy at one time. Afrin and several other brands of nasal sprays contain the drug oxymetazoline.
Generic forms are also available. Oxymetazoline is sprayed in the nose, typically on a hour or hour dosing schedule. Other brands that include oxymetazoline include:. Do not take decongestants if you have any of the following:. Do not give decongestants to children under 6 years old.
You should always talk to your healthcare provider about any medications you are currently taking and the possible interactions that can occur with introducing a decongestant or any medication, for that matter , even if it is available over the counter.
Most decongestants are safe to use three to four times a day, but extended-release formulations are used once or twice a day. Follow the advice of your healthcare provider and read label instructions in order to ensure safe and accurate dosing. Your healthcare provider and pharmacist can help you determine which drugs can be safely combined. Nasal sprays work faster than oral decongestants. However, be aware that using them for longer than recommended can actually make your congestion worse.
Decongestants may cause mild side effects. Some possible side effects of oral and nasal decongestants include:. Side effects that are specific to nasal sprays include:. More serious side effects that should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately include:. Note that stroke and intracranial bleeding may also occur with decongestant use. Caffeine may enhance the stimulant effect and worsen side effects related to stimulants, such as nervousness and trouble sleeping.
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Treating acute sinusitis.
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