What is decongestants?

Decongestants may help shrink swollen tissues in the nose, sinuses, and throat and the space behind the eardrum (middle ear). This may relieve pressure, pain, and stuffiness (congestion).

Decongestants can be taken by mouth as a pill or liquid (oral). Or they can be used as nose drops, sprays, or gels. Sprays and drops provide rapid relief, but they should only be used for 2 to 3 days. Oral decongestants may cause more side effects than the ones used in the nose, but they can be taken for up to 7 days.

To know if an over-the-counter medicine contains a decongestant, check the label for the active ingredient. Examples of decongestants are:

• Oxymetazoline (such as in Afrin or Zicam Extreme Congestion Relief).
• Phenylephrine (such as in Neo-Synephrine or Sudafed PE).
• Pseudoephedrine (such as in Sudafed).

In some states, any medicine that contains pseudoephedrine is kept behind the pharmacist's counter so you will need to ask the pharmacist for it. In other states, you have to have a prescription from your doctor to buy medicine containing pseudoephedrine.

Here are some examples of decongestants. For each item in the list, the generic name is first, followed by examples of brand names.

• oxymetazoline (Afrin)
• phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine)
• pseudoephedrine (such as in Sudafed)

Decongestants can be taken by mouth as a pill or liquid (oral). Or they can be used as nose drops, sprays, or gels. Sprays and drops provide rapid relief, but they should only be used for 2 to 3 days. Oral decongestants may cause more side effects than the ones used in the nose, but they can be taken for up to 7 days.

In some states, any medicine that contains pseudoephedrine is kept behind the pharmacist's counter, so you will need to ask the pharmacist for it. In other states, you need a prescription from your doctor to buy medicine that has pseudoephedrine.

Here are some precautions to take when using decongestants.

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Decongestants may not be safe for young children. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends not using over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in children younger than age 2. The FDA also recommends avoiding these medicines for children younger than age 4. If you use these medicines, always follow the directions about how much to use based on age and in some cases weight. Not everyone needs the same amount of medicine.
• Decongestants can cause problems for people who have certain health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid. Decongestants may also interact with some drugs, such as certain antidepressants and high blood pressure medicines. Read the package carefully or ask your pharmacist or doctor to help you choose the best decongestant for you.
• Drink extra fluids when you are taking cold and allergy medicines.
• Don't use decongestant nasal sprays, drops, or gels more times in one day or for more days in a row than the label says. Overuse can cause rebound congestion. It makes your mucous membranes swell up more than before you used the spray.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using a decongestant.

Cautions for decongestants include the following.

• Decongestants may not be safe for young children. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends not using over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in children younger than age 2. The FDA also recommends avoiding these medicines for children younger than age 4. If you use these medicines, always follow the directions about how much to use based on age and, in some cases, weight.
• Decongestants can cause problems for people who have certain health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid. Decongestants may also interact with some drugs, such as certain antidepressants and high blood pressure medicines. Read the package carefully or ask your pharmacist or doctor to help you choose the best decongestant for you.
• Don't use decongestant nasal sprays, drops, or gels more times in one day or for more days in a row than the label says. Overuse can cause rebound congestion. It makes your mucous membranes swell up more than before you used the spray.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor or pharmacist before you use a decongestant.

Decongestants may help shrink swollen tissues in the nose, sinuses, and throat and in the space behind the eardrum (middle ear). This may relieve pressure, pain, and stuffiness (congestion).

Common side effects of decongestants include:

• A dry or irritated nose.
• Sneezing.
• Nosebleeds.

Other side effects may include:

• Increased blood pressure.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Blurred vision.
• Sleep problems.
• Dizziness.
• Feeling anxious or over-excited.

Some of these medicines may not be safe for young children or people who have certain health problems.

Call your doctor if side effects bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking a medicine.