Decongestants
Decongestants may help shrink swollen tissues in the nose, sinuses, throat, and the space behind the eardrum (middle ear). This may relieve pressure and pain.
Decongestants can be taken by mouth or used as nose drops or sprays. Oral decongestants are probably more effective and provide longer relief, but they cause more side effects.
Sprays and drops provide rapid but temporary relief. Neo-Synephrine is an effective nasal spray. Sprays and drops are less likely to interact with other medicines, which may be a problem with oral decongestants.
Decongestant precautions
- Do not give cold medicines or oral decongestants to babies or children unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Non-prescription cold medicines have not been proven effective for preschool children.
- Do not use medicated nasal sprays or drops more often than directed and not longer than 3 days. Continued use will cause your mucous membranes to swell up more than before using the spray (rebound effect).
- Drink extra fluids when taking cold medicines.
- If you are uncertain about which decongestant to use, ask your pharmacist or doctor to help you choose one.
- Decongestants can cause problems for people with other health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, prostate problems, glaucoma, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism.
- Decongestants may also interact with other medicines such as some antidepressants and high blood pressure medicines.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: April 28, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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