Decongestants

What decongestants are for

Decongestants are used to relive the symptoms of a blocked or stuffy nose.

They can help with:

colds and flu
allergies such as hay fever or allergic rhinitis
catarrh
sinusitis

They work by reducing swelling inside your nose and sinuses, helping you breathe more easily.

Types of decongestants

There are two main types of decongestants:

tablets, capsules, liquids or powder you mix with water, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine
nasal sprays or drops, such as xylometazoline and oxymetazoline

Some decongestants come combined with other types of medicine, such as painkillers and antihistamines.

Speak to a pharmacist if you're not sure what type of decongestant to use.

Not all decongestant medicines are listed here. If you cannot find your medicine, check the leaflet that comes with it or ask a pharmacist.

How to use decongestants

How you use a decongestant depends on the type. Always follow the instructions in the leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Do not use more than 1 decongestant at a time. Many cough and cold medicines contain decongestants, so always check the label.

Important

Do not use decongestant nasal sprays or drops for more than 5 days, as this can make your blocked nose worse.

See a GP or pharmacist if your symptoms get worse or do not get better.

Side effects of decongestants

Like all medicines, decongestants can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. Possible side effects depend on the type of decongestant you're using.

Common side effects of decongestants can include:

headaches
feeling sick (nausea)
stinging, dryness or discomfort in your nose when using nasal drops or sprays
a dry mouth, dizziness and difficulty sleeping when taking pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

These are not all the possible side effects of decongestants. Some side effects are rare but serious. Always check the information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Who can and cannot use decongestants

Most adults can use decongestants.

Check the leaflet that comes with the medicine before giving a decongestant to a child, as not all decongestants are suitable for children.

Decongestants are not suitable for everyone. Speak to a GP or pharmacist before using decongestants if:

you have high blood pressure
you have heart disease
you have diabetes
you have glaucoma
you have thyroid problems
you have an enlarged prostate
you're breastfeeding
you're taking any other medicines

Do not use decongestants if you're pregnant. A GP or pharmacist may be able to recommend a different medicine.

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