Can decongestants be bad for you?
Decongestants can increase or decrease the effect of some other medicines. For example, taking decongestants alongside some antidepressants can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure. It’s also important to be careful when taking other medicines if you’re using an “all-in-1” decongestant remedy.
Who should not take decongestants?
Who should not take ADULT NASAL DECONGESTANT?
- overactive thyroid gland.
- diabetes.
- closed angle glaucoma.
- high blood pressure.
- significant uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- severe disease of the arteries of the heart.
- enlarged prostate.
- an inability to completely empty the bladder.
Which decongestants are safe for high blood pressure?
Phenylephrine. For those with high blood pressure, phenylephrine is an alternative to pseudoephedrine. They are in the same drug class known as nasal decongestants, which help relieve sinus congestion and pressure. You can buy products containing phenylephrine right off the shelf at the pharmacy.
What is a serious side effect of decongestants?
Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, upset stomach, nausea, nervousness, or dry mouth/nose/throat may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Do decongestants dry up mucus?
“Decongestants dry up the mucus that collects in the back of the throat as a result of the infection. Expectorants melt the mucus.” Look for over-the-counter decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, such as Sudafed.
What can I use instead of a decongestant?
Alternatives to decongestants In the drug realm, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin) can help with a stuffy nose are safe for the heart. Nasal sprays deliver a decongestant right where you need it.
What to do when decongestants dont work?
Once you’ve determined the cause of your stuffiness, here are some options for unclogging your nose:
- Consider nasal washings.
- Seek out pseudoephedrine.
- Try a nasal spray, but don’t use an over-the-counter decongestant spray for longer than 3 days.
- Ask your doctor for a prescription oral decongestant.
- Inhale steam.
How long should I take nasal decongestants?
Decongestants should only be used for a short time, usually less than 10 days. If you take them for longer, you’re more likely to get side effects. Only take pseudoephedrine for longer than 10 days if a doctor has said it’s OK.
What will dry up nasal mucus?
“Decongestants dry up the mucus that collects in the back of the throat as a result of the infection. Expectorants melt the mucus.” Look for over-the-counter decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, such as Sudafed. “I recommend taking this in the morning only.
What is the best over-the-counter medicine for sinus congestion?
First Look
- Best Overall: Mucinex Sinus Max Severe Congestion & Pain at Amazon.
- Best Budget: Equate Congestion Suphedrine PE Nasal Decongestant at Walmart.
- Best for Sinus Headaches: Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain Relief at Amazon.
- Best for Cough: Robitussin Severe CF Maximum Strength Cold, Cough & Flu at Amazon.
Are there any decongestants that actually work?
Though many people use decongestants to alleviate nasal congestion, there is no strong evidence that these medications are very effective. A 2016 review reanalyzed data from 15 studies investigating whether popular decongestants were effective in treating nasal congestion from the common cold.
Can decongestants make sinuses worse?
In addition, using nonprescription decongestant nasal sprays (Afrin, Dristan, others) for more than three or four days can cause even worse nasal congestion once the decongestant wears off (rebound rhinitis).
