Topical decongestants (such as xylometazoline or oxymetazoline) have a more rapid onset of action and stronger effect than oral decongestants. They are less likely to cause side effects although there have been rare reports of seizures in children.
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 steroid sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) and mometasone (Nasonex) won't cause rebound congestion.
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.
Hello! Second, there is an effective alternative, phenylephrine (PE). No drug is without some side effects, but PE's side effects are much milder, and you cannot make meth out of it. Some people don't use PE because it does not “feel like it is working.” But it is working; it just does not give a “buzz.”
Try rubbing diluted eucalyptus oil on the chest as a decongestant, or inhale eucalyptus or peppermint oil to clear stuffiness. Adding lavender, cedar, or lemon to steam may also soothe nasal passages. Inhaling menthol not only provides relief from nasal congestion but might help inhibit infection as well.
Antihistamines help relieve most allergy symptoms by blocking the action of histamine in your system, not the congestion. ZYRTEC-D® contains both an antihistamine and a decongestant for allergies. It powerfully clears your blocked nose and relieves other allergy symptoms.
Key takeaways: Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and Sudafed PE (phenylephrine) are decongestant medications that treat nasal and sinus congestion. Sudafed is generally more effective at relieving nasal and sinus congestion than Sudafed PE, but it has more risks.
For true cold symptoms, a decongestant will provide more relief than an antihistamine. If you notice your “cold” symptoms occur at the same time each year (spring for examine), or are consistent year-round, you may actually have allergies that could benefit from antihistamine medication.
Taking an oral decongestant can temporarily ease congestion, but it also can create an increase in your blood pressure and blood sugar, aggravate glaucoma or urinary conditions, increase seizure risk, and affect heart conditions.
Hydration, steam inhalation, and applying a warm, wet towel to the face are among the strategies for relieving blocked and painful sinuses.
If you feel that you are blocked up but are not really producing mucus, then this is more indicative of a physical abnormality, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum. It is quite common for people to complain of having a blocked nose on one side.
Infections in your respiratory tract — most commonly colds — can inflame and thicken your sinus membranes and block mucus drainage. These infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Allergies such as hay fever. Inflammation that occurs with allergies can block your sinuses.
Use heat treatments like breathing steam, applying a warm compress, or having a hot beverage to open up your sinuses. Irrigate with saline spray or use a neti pot to manually flush out your sinuses. Even light exercise or a massage with your fingers could do the trick.
However, Claritin is also used to treat allergic skin reactions such as such as hives and itching in people with chronic skin reactions, whereas Sudafed is used to treat nasal and sinus congestion.
Do oral decongestants cause rebound congestion, too? As for the varieties of oxymetazoline or phenylephrin that are taken orally, such as Sudafed, Dr. Ahmed says there's little risk of rebound congestion.
Pseudoephedrine Decongestant
Individuals can take pseudoephedrine as a standalone medication or in a multi-drug combination. Research shows that pseudoephedrine may be more effective in reducing nasal congestion than a placebo.