Decongestants are used for temporary relief of the stuffiness and congestion caused by colds or allergies. Decongestants are available over the counter and by prescription in the forms of pills, drops or nasal sprays. Over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays such as phenylephrine and oxymetazoline can cause mild-to-severe side effects and should not be used for more than three days at a time.
Parents should not give children under the age of 4 years old a decongestant nasal spray because serious side effects and even death could occur, according to Drugs.com.
Rebound Congestion
Taking nasal decongestant sprays for more than three days can cause rebound congestion when you stop taking it, notes the Mayo Clinic. The nose becomes used to the medication after the first few days and the patient needs to take more of it to obtain the same effect. When the patient stops the medication, the nasal congestion returns and is worse than before.
The myth that patients can become addicted to nasal decongestant sprays is untrue, according to the Mayo Clinic. Nasal decongestant sprays do not contain habit-forming drugs and patients who take them do not develop a physiological craving.
Rapid Heartbeat
Using too much nasal decongestant spray can cause a rapid, pounding or irregular heartbeat, as well as headache, dizziness, insomnia, irritability, trembling, sweating or tremors, according to Drugs.com.
Seizures and mood changes may also occur. Children may suffer more serious side effects because their bodies are more likely to absorb too much of the drug. Patients who suffer serious side effects should stop using the spray and immediately seek medical attention.
Local Reaction
After administering the medication, the patient may feel stinging, burning or dryness in the nostrils, according to Drugs.com. These side effects are not serious and are likely to disappear without treatment. Medical attention is not necessary unless symptoms become worse.
Allergic Reaction
A patient who is allergic to decongestant nasal spray may develop hives, difficulty breathing or swelling in the face, tongue, lips or throat after taking the medication, according to Drugs.com. The patient should stop using the spray and seek medical attention immediately.
Nervousness
Some patients experience mild side effects such as nervousness or they can feel excited, restless or have mild sleep problems, according to Drugs.com. The nose may also become irritated and some sneezing may occur. These side effects are temporary and usually resolve without medical treatment.
