How should I take decongestants?
Take decongestants as prescribed by your doctor or as recommended by the patient information that came with your medication. Most decongestants should be used between one and four times a day. If you're not sure how often to use your medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice.
Who shouldn’t take decongestants?
Avoid taking decongestants if you have certain medical conditions, such as:
How long does it take for decongestants to work?
Most oral decongestants start to work within 15–30 minutes, with noticeable symptom relief between 30 and 60 minutes. Eye drops and nasal sprays typically work faster to relieve congestion.
What should I avoid with decongestants?
Avoid drinking excess caffeine, using herbal supplements without your doctor's approval, or using other stimulants while taking decongestants. Stimulants can increase your risk of adverse effects, such as insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, and tremors, especially if you're taking a higher dose of decongestant medicine.
Avoid taking oral decongestants with monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) and other antidepressants without your doctor's approval. Make sure to tell your doctor about any medications you're taking.
In addition, using nonprescription nasal sprays for more than 3–4 days can cause a rebound effect, which leads to worse nasal congestion after the decongestant wears off. Avoid using nasal sprays for OTC relief longer than needed.
What is the most effective decongestant?
According to a study from 2009, pseudoephedrine is significantly more effective at alleviating nasal congestion than placebo medication.
With that said, the best decongestant will depend on your specific symptoms, type of congestion, and condition. Your healthcare professional can choose the best prescription for your congestion symptoms.
What does a decongestant do?
Decongestants provide short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose (nasal congestion). They help relieve the symptoms of congestion from the cold virus, flu, hay fever, nonallergic rhinitis, and other conditions.
Can a doctor prescribe pseudoephedrine?
Yes, a licensed medical doctor can prescribe some preparations of pseudoephedrine to relieve congestion. Some preparations of pseudoephedrine are available over the counter (without a prescription).
Fortunately, you can set an appointment with PlushCare’s doctors to buy pseudoephedrine online. The average appointment takes just 15 minutes and you can leave with a prescription that’s right for you, if you qualify.
What can doctors prescribe for congestion?
Doctors can prescribe different medications for congestion depending on who's taking the medication, their age, their general health, and their symptoms. Some prescription options for treating congestion include decongestants, antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, and nasal sprays.
Combination products are also available. Some medications may combine decongestant medicine, antihistamines, and pain relievers for additional symptom relief.
