Which decongestant is best

Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are not suitable for use in certain patients including those with:. When recommending these products, it is important to check for interactions with other medicines.

While nasal decongestant sprays are less likely to cause some of the side effects associated with decongestant tablets, such as high blood pressure and tachycardia , they mustn't be overused. Using decongestants too often can lead to nasal dryness and nosebleeds in some people.

Occasionally overuse causes rebound congestion where patients find their stuffiness can actually get worse. As the first point of contact for many patients with cold and flu symptoms this winter, pharmacists have access to a range of products they can recommend to manage and minimise symptoms.

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. This article is for Medical Professionals.

In this article The key role of pharmacists The benefits of dual-action products Topical or systemic - what should I recommend? Using decongestants safely An overview. Decongestant treatments - what are the options and what works best? In addition, the steam from a hot bowl of soup could help open a stuffy nose by thinning mucus so it can drain more easily.

Similarly, drinking other hot fluids, like tea and broth, can also help, as can taking a steaming hot shower.

Probably not. Most stuffy noses are caused by infection with a virus, so antibiotics are powerless in treating them. Antibiotics are only effective in treating infections caused by bacteria. Still, there are warning signs that your congestion may be a sign of something more serious, such as a sinus infection.

See a doctor if you experience congestion symptoms that last more than 7 to 10 days, cause an earache , are accompanied by a fever of more than By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: May 30, To reduce the risk of rebound congestion, a person can use decongestant nasal sprays for only a few days at a time. Intranasal corticosteroids are medications that reduce swelling and excess mucus production in the nasal passages that result from inflammation, often allergic.

These medications are available as a nasal spray that people can apply directly inside the nostrils. Though typically safe for short term use, long term use can increase the risk of the following side effects:. Although antihistamines are not a decongestant, they can help to alleviate nasal congestion resulting from allergies.

Antihistamines are available in various forms. Some cause drowsiness, whereas others are nondrowsy. Though generally safe for adults, parents and caregivers should talk to a doctor before giving antihistamines to children. A person should always ensure that they read medication labels carefully to avoid taking too much of a particular one. A person who experiences nasal congestion due to allergies may benefit from taking an antihistamine or nasal corticosteroid.

Otherwise, there is insufficient evidence to show that other types of decongestants are effective in alleviating nasal congestion.

Nonetheless, a person may want to see if a particular decongestant works for them. Some decongestants are not suitable for people with certain medical conditions.

Others may interact with medications a person is taking. It is important that an individual sees their doctor before taking a decongestant medication. A doctor can provide advice on the safest and most effective one to use. A person should talk to their doctor before giving a child a decongestant or any medication for an allergy or URI.

The Food and Drug Administration FDA advise parents and guardians to avoid giving decongestants or antihistamines to children under two years of age. Many manufacturers extend the warning to children of 4 years of age and younger. An issue with giving these medications to children is that they often contain multiple ingredients. Parents or guardians may accidentally give the child too much of a particular drug, which can result in poisoning. The FDA recommend the following for alleviating congestion and other cold symptoms in children:.

The FDA warn that a person should not give any decongestant or medication containing antihistamine to any child under two years. Children under 2 years of age can develop serious and potentially life threatening complications as a result of taking these medications. They can cause heart palpitations feeling like your heart is racing or higher blood pressure.

If decongestants make you feel restless or make it difficult for you to sleep, you may want to avoid taking them at bedtime. It also may help to cut back on caffeine. Or you may need to discontinue the medicine. Talk to your doctor about any questions. Taking decongestants can raise your blood pressure even if it is controlled or nearly normal. You may need to look for an alternative to decongestants.

Instead, there are other ways you can treat their symptoms:. Decongestants can interact with many other medicines you take. If you take any of the medicines listed below, talk to your doctor before taking a decongestant:.

Decongestants are often combined with antihistamines or pain relievers. For safest practice, try to avoid combination products that treat many symptoms at once. This will help you avoid taking too much of any 1 ingredient. There are other treatments that are safer to use. Last Updated: March 19, This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Antihistamine medications help relieve or prevent allergy symptoms. Learn more about first-generation and second-generation antihistamines. Sinusitis is when the lining of your sinuses are inflamed. Due to the swelling, mucus that travels from your…. Visit The Symptom Checker.