Decongestants

About

Decongestants 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). 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. Most people can use decongestants safely, but they're 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 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. 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 medicin