What are some common decongestants?

Common decongestants include:

Afrin, Dristan, Vicks Sinex (oxymetazoline)
Sudafed PE, Suphedrin PE (phenylephrine)
Silfedrine, Sudafed, Suphedrin (pseudoephedrine)

In this way, what is the most effective sinus decongestant?

Our Top Picks

Flonase Allergy Relief Nasal Spray at Amazon.
GoodSense Nasal Decongestant at Amazon.
Sudafed PE Pressure + Pain + Relief at Amazon.
NasalCrom Nasal Allergy Controller at Amazon.
Mucinex Sinus-Max Night Time Relief Liquid at Amazon.
Breathe Right Clear Nasal Strips at Jet.
Afrin Original Nasal Spray at Amazon.

Subsequently, question is, are decongestants bad for you? ANSWER: While many people rely on nasal decongestants to help ease symptoms of a cold or flu, these medications can sometimes cause more harm than good, especially if taken repeatedly. Taking a decongestant can temporarily ease congestion, but it can also create a slight increase in your blood pressure.

Besides, what is a decongestant drug?

A decongestant, or nasal decongestant, is a type of pharmaceutical drug that is used to relieve nasal congestion in the upper respiratory tract. The active ingredient in most decongestants is either pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine (the latter of which has disputed effectiveness).

How do decongestants work in the body?

Decongestants work by causing blood vessels to constrict. This helps relieve congestion caused by the dilation of blood vessels in the nasal passages. These over-the-counter drugs can bring temporary relief from congestion. However, they don't treat the underlying cause of allergies.

How can I get my sinuses to drain?

Rotating warm and cold compresses on your sinuses should also help.

Lay back with a warm compress draped across your nose, cheeks, and forehead for three minutes.
Remove the warm compress and replace it with a cold compress for 30 seconds.
Do this two to three times.

How can I unblock my sinuses?

Home Treatments

Use a humidifier or vaporizer.
Take long showers or breathe in steam from a pot of warm (but not too hot) water.
Drink lots of fluids.
Use a nasal saline spray.
Try a Neti pot, nasal irrigator, or bulb syringe.
Place a warm, wet towel on your face.
Prop yourself up.
Avoid chlorinated pools.

How do you massage sinuses to drain?

1. Frontal sinus massage

Start by rubbing your hands together to warm them up.
Place your index and middle fingers on either side of the forehead, just above the eyebrows.
Massage slowly in a circular outward motion, working your way outwards, towards the temples.
Do this for about 30 seconds.

What tea is good for stuffy nose?

If you're ready to heat up your own congestion remedy, try hot teas, such as chamomile and green tea, hot soups like chicken noodle, or a glass of hot water with a dollop of honey and some lemon.

What is the best nasal spray?

Experts say that over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory nasal sprays—such as FLONASE nasal sprays or Nasacort® 24 Hour—are the most effective form of nasal allergy relief.

Can ibuprofen reduce sinus swelling?

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine is a combination medicine used to treat stuffy nose, sinus congestion, cough, and pain or fever caused by the common cold or flu.

Why do my sinuses get worse at night?

Blood flow means more inflammation This can cause tissue to swell up, leading to worse sinus symptoms. We tend to lie down toward the end of the day, particularly when we go to bed. It's the change in physical position that can contribute to a worse sinus infection at night.

What is the strongest over the counter decongestant?

Percentage of Pharmacists' Votes

Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)	47%
Mucinex D	15%
Claritin-D	11%
Advil Cold & Sinus	7%
Sudafed PE (phenylephrine)	7%

When should you not take a decongestant?

Do not give decongestants to children under 6 years old.

Do not take decongestants if you have any of the following:

Circulation problems.
Diabetes.
Glaucoma.
High blood pressure.
Heart disease.
Overactive thyroid.
Prostate problems.
Kidney disease.

Does decongestant give you energy?

Pseudoephedrine is a mainstream decongestant drug that is often used to self-treat allergy and cold symptoms. The sensations that are felt from a pseudoephedrine high are described as short-term and can raise energy levels, cause a ticklish feeling on the skin, and induce a sense of euphoria.

What is an oral decongestant?

Decongestants are medicines that relieve congestion by reducing swelling, inflammation and mucus formation within the nasal passages or the eye. This decreases blood flow and helps to shrink swollen tissue, relieving congestion. They are often used in combination with antihistamines.

How long can you take decongestants for?

Is it safe to take for a long time? Decongestants should only be used for a short time, usually less than 10 days. If you take them for longer, you're more likely to get side effects.

What are the side effects of decongestants?

Side effects of nasal decongestants include:

Burning.
Stinging.
Sneezing.
Dryness.
Local irritation.
Rebound congestion (Rhinitis medicamentosa)
High blood pressure.
Fast heartbeat.

What is the difference between an antihistamine and decongestant?

Antihistamines and decongestants won't cure your allergies. But they'll give you much-needed relief for a runny or congested nose. The nasal sprays work on congestion, an itchy or runny nose, and postnasal drip. Antihistamines can ease your symptoms, but they work best when you take them before you feel a reaction.

Why is Sudafed bad for you?

Pseudoephedrine constricts blood vessels in the nose and sinuses. Unfortunately, the drug doesn't affect only the head — it tightens blood vessels throughout the body. One effect is a possible increase in blood pressure.

What causes nasal congestion at night?

Nighttime nasal congestion is commonly caused by a cold, allergies, or a deviated septum. You may have tried common cold treatments or allergy products to relieve your nighttime nasal congestion, but those may not provide the relief you are looking for, and many people prefer a drug-free option.

When should you take decongestants?

Decongestants may keep you awake and are usually taken during the day. Nasal sprays are less likely to have that side effect and may be helpful at night for congestion. Decongestants can also raise blood pressure. So if your BP is high already, or you've got heart disease, check with your doctor before you use them.

Why does Sudafed work so well?

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that constricts (shrinks) dilated blood vessels within the nose, relieving congestion. It causes vasoconstriction by stimulating primarily alpha-adrenergic receptors. It also has weak activity at beta-adrenergic receptors.

Should I take a decongestant or an antihistamine?

If your nose and sinuses are stuffed up, a decongestant may help. You can use it alone or combine it with an antihistamine. Remember, though, it can increase your heart rate and may cause anxiety or make it hard to fall asleep. If you have a runny nose or sneezing, try an antihistamine.