Nasal congestion, sneezing and watery, itchy eyes are symptoms of the common cold or seasonal allergies. Many people turn to over-the-counter or prescription decongestants for relief. A decongestant is a medication that restricts the blood flow to nasal passages that have become inflamed and enlarged because of the allergy or infection. According to Familydoctor.org, reducing blood flow to the area causes swollen tissues in the nose to shrink and allows air to flow more freely. There are several common decongestants available that can be effective.
Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is one of the most common nasal decongestants available. It is marketed under the brand name Sudafed, Contac, Actifed, Claritin-D, Zyrtec-D and others. It is available in liquid and capsule form with a variety of different time release options. Pseudoephedrine is often combined with other medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, expectorants, antihistamines and others. This is done so that a medication can treat more than one symptom at a time, such as may occur with the common cold.
According to the National Institutes of Health, pseudoephedrine should be taken exactly as prescribed and never given to children under the age of four as it can be dangerous for them. Pseudoephedrine has potential side effects of restlessness, nervousness, nausea and vomiting, headache, stomach pain and irregular heartbeat, among others. Pseudoephedrine is available over-the-counter, but in most cases the patient must ask your pharmacist for it because it has become highly used in the synthesis of illegal methamphetamines.
Phenylephrine
Phenylephrine is another common decongestant available over-the-counter. Some of the common brand names in the United States that contain phenylephrine are Alka-Seltzer, Day-Quil, TheraFlu, Benadryl Allergy, Sudafed PE and Robitussin. Phenylephrine has become very common in recent years due to the restrictions on sale of pseudoephedrine. These restrictions have come about because of the 2005 “Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act”, according to the Maholo.com website. Phenylephrine is also available as a liquid or tablet and should be taken exactly as prescribed. Phenylephrine also is available in a combination with other medications, just like pseudoephedrine, to allow for the reduction of multiple symptoms associated with colds or allergies. This medication has similar side effects to pseudoephedrine, the most common being sleeplessness, dizziness and nervousness.
Nasal Spray
A nasal spray may be used to deliver decongestant medication directly into the nasal passages which allows the medication to work quickly and effectively. The nasal sprays usually contain oxymetazoline hydrochloride, or phenylephrine. The topical delivery of these medications causes rapid restriction of the blood vessels and clearing of the air passages. One concern with the use of nasal spray decongestants is the possibility of a rebound effect, which means that after a few days of use, the drug becomes less effective and more is required.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a rebound effect is not the same as an addiction to this medication and over-the-counter decongestant sprays do not contain any habit-forming substances.
