The winter months often bring a mixture of coughs, colds, sneezes etc and many of us may turn to a decongestant which are a type of medicine that can provide short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose (nasal congestion). They can help ease the symptoms of conditions such as colds and flu, hay fever and other allergic reactions, catarrh and sinusitis. They work by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose, which helps to open the airways.
Examples include pseudoephedrine (sometimes called by the brand name Sudafed).
Types of decongestants
Decongestants are available as:
Who can take decongestants
Most people can use decongestants safely, but they are not suitable for everyone.
They should not be used by the following groups of people without getting advice from a pharmacist or GP first:
Pregnant and breastfeeding women
It's not clear whether it's safe to take any type of decongestant if you're pregnant, so you should only use them if told to by a healthcare professional.
Decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow are not recommended if you're breastfeeding.
Some decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops are safe to use if you're breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or GP first before using them.
The patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine will say who should not use it and who should get advice before using it.
How to use decongestants
Side effects of decongestants
Taking decongestants with other medicines
Ask a pharmacist or GP before taking decongestants if you're taking other medicines. 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. "All-in-1" decongestants also contain painkillers or antihistamines, so it could be dangerous to take extra doses of these medicines at the same time.
I find when I have a cold/stuffy nose it is important to stay hydrated and water is good. However, I also find the simple act of taking the time to sip a cup of tea can be both calming and restorative. While tea is not a cure for nasal congestion, it may provide some relief. Read more hereDo you have any tips for colds/stuffy noses, do please share your thoughts in the comments section.
Please be aware that articles / studies within this blog are provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, including medication, you should contact your Doctor/pharmacist/local health care provider.
All the best Jan
Examples include pseudoephedrine (sometimes called by the brand name Sudafed).
Types of decongestants
Decongestants are available as:
nasal sprays
drops
tablets or capsules
liquids or syrups
flavoured powders to dissolve in hot water
Some products may just contain decongestant medicine, but many are sold as "all-in-1" remedies that contain decongestants, painkillers or antihistamines. Most decongestants can be bought over the counter from pharmacies without a prescription.
drops
tablets or capsules
liquids or syrups
flavoured powders to dissolve in hot water
Some products may just contain decongestant medicine, but many are sold as "all-in-1" remedies that contain decongestants, painkillers or antihistamines. Most decongestants can be bought over the counter from pharmacies without a prescription.
Who can take decongestants
Most people can use decongestants safely, but they are not suitable for everyone.
They should not be used by the following groups of people without getting advice from a pharmacist or GP first:
people taking other medicines
people with diabetes
people with high blood pressure
people with an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
men with an enlarged prostate
people with liver, kidney, heart or circulation problems
people with increased pressure in the eye glaucoma
Babies and children
Decongestants should not be given to children under 6 years of age.
Children aged 6 to 11 should take them for no longer than 5 days. Ask a pharmacist for advice about this. Always follow the instructions that come with the packet.
people with diabetes
people with high blood pressure
people with an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
men with an enlarged prostate
people with liver, kidney, heart or circulation problems
people with increased pressure in the eye glaucoma
Babies and children
Decongestants should not be given to children under 6 years of age.
Children aged 6 to 11 should take them for no longer than 5 days. Ask a pharmacist for advice about this. Always follow the instructions that come with the packet.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women
It's not clear whether it's safe to take any type of decongestant if you're pregnant, so you should only use them if told to by a healthcare professional.
Decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow are not recommended if you're breastfeeding.
Some decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops are safe to use if you're breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or GP first before using them.
The patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine will say who should not use it and who should get advice before using it.
How to use decongestants
Most decongestants should only be used between 1 and 4 times a day.
Check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine for advice about how much to take and how often to take it. If you're not sure, ask a pharmacist for advice.
Decongestant nasal sprays and drops should not be used for more than a week at a time because using them for too long can make your stuffiness worse.
Speak to a GP if your symptoms do not improve after this time.
Check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine for advice about how much to take and how often to take it. If you're not sure, ask a pharmacist for advice.
Decongestant nasal sprays and drops should not be used for more than a week at a time because using them for too long can make your stuffiness worse.
Speak to a GP if your symptoms do not improve after this time.
Side effects of decongestants
Decongestant medicines do not usually have side effects, and any side effects you may experience are usually mild.
Possible side effects can include:
Possible side effects can include:
feeling sleepy (look for non-drowsy medicines)
irritation of the lining of your nose
headaches
feeling or being sick
a dry mouth
feeling restless or agitated
a rash
These side effects should go away once you stop taking the medicine.
More serious side effects can also happen, such as hallucinations and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), but these are very rare.
irritation of the lining of your nose
headaches
feeling or being sick
a dry mouth
feeling restless or agitated
a rash
These side effects should go away once you stop taking the medicine.
More serious side effects can also happen, such as hallucinations and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), but these are very rare.
Taking decongestants with other medicines
Ask a pharmacist or GP before taking decongestants if you're taking other medicines. 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. "All-in-1" decongestants also contain painkillers or antihistamines, so it could be dangerous to take extra doses of these medicines at the same time.
Words above taken from the UK's NHS site here
You may also be interested in reading "People with high blood pressure warned 'avoid' common cold medication" here~ xxxx ooo xxxx ~
All the best Jan
32 comments:
This is the perfect time if year for this information...
I use nasal strips which hold the nostrils open. It may not work for everyone, but for me it's very effective.
I'm vaccinated for flu, COVID and RSV, of course there's no vaccine for the common cold, but fortunately it's been years and years since I last had one. I'm sure country living and not seeing a whole lot of people helps. Thanks for your always informative posts.
I got hay fever. The nasal decongestant always gives me a headache every time I use it
Hot tea is always helpful and I also gargle with salt water whenever my throat starts to feel scratchy.
Good advice thanks -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
...I try not to use them.
Interesting, Jan.
This is an excellent article Jan. Thank you and all the best :)
The heat of the tea does the job. I sit with a cup of chicken broth and breath in the heat. It works. Plus, I take one Hall's Mentholyptus cough drop. That is amazing for loosening congestion. It is the menthol that opens sinuses. A hot washcloth over my face helps the menthol work.
Sadly I am not quite a lot of medication and try not to add to it. If I am stuffed up I find that eucalyptus oil on my pillow or chest sometimes helps.
Molto utili queste informazioni soprattutto adesso che stiamo andando nella stagione invernale
The only things I've ever used are Oil of Olbas and Vick. Otherwise, it's hot water with lemon or lime to drink, to keep hydrated.
Great information about the groups of people who shouldn't use it. Interesting post!
Great info and post. It is that time of the year for colds.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
I have chronic rhinitis and sinus issues which means repeated stuffy nose issues. Here in the states we have something called breathe-right strips that you put on your nose when you go to bed and it seems to open it up a little bit. There's also what I call a last-possible-choice nasal spray called Afrin, which my doc said only use for a couple of days. It really helps but if you use it too much there is a rebound effect and no one wants that! Mostly -- I just buy a lot of Kleenex and drink a lot of tea and water (like you!)
Some really good information! 'Tis the season!!
hugs
Donna
Thanks for sharing.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com
Great information Jan.
Tea with honey and apple cider vinegar at the first sniffle
Hi , interesting post. Have a nice weekend !
Thanks for the info.
I've never used them.
Lots of good information.
Siempre es bueno estar informado. Gracias por los consejos. Te mando un beso.
This was really interesting. Thanks for sharing, and I hope you're having a nice weekend too.
Oh yes, stuffy noses. Nice cup of brew.
Good information on decongestants Jan. Getting plenty of liquids is always good for me when stuffy. Have a happy Sunday!
Yo no los suelo usar. Muy interesante tu entrada. Besos.
We were able to find some medicine for my hubby to take this last time we caught a cold, thank goodness they sell for those people that can't take the other meds!
I am not keen on using them. I have one of the steamers I use and sometimes use Vicks. And sometimes eat spicy foods haha! The one spray I do use is the Sterimar one, the blue one. Despite my years of sinus problems, I could never use a neti pot!!!! I have found taking a spoonful of honey every day has helped to greatly reduce my sinus problems.
my younger son likes to use decongestant during winters but they look different like a tiny plastic bottle
Oh no... I do have diabetes. I never knew it wasn't good to take decongestants. I'd better not get sick this season.
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