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Nasal decongestants

Key points about decongestants

Decongestants are used to help unblock a stuffy or blocked nose.
Decongestants are available as nasal sprays or as tablets or capsules.
Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.

Decongestants help to unblock a stuffy or blocked nose. They work by narrowing blood vessels in your nose, throat and sinuses. Decongestants are available as nasal sprays or as tablets or capsules. Decongestant nasal sprays clear a blocked nose immediately. Tablets or capsules may take a little longer to work because they need to be absorbed into your body from your digestive system (guts).

Examples of decongestants found in cold and flu tablets and capsules are phenylephrine. Decongestant tablets and capsules can cause increased blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety, restlessness and sleep problems (insomnia).

Nasal decongestants are used for the short-term relief of stuffiness or congestion of the nostrils that may be caused by the common cold, sinusitis, allergies or hay fever. Nasal decongestants are available as a nose spray or nose drops. They clear a blocked nose immediately.

Some nasal decongestants such as oxymetazoline (Drixine®) and xylometazoline (Otrivin®) work by narrowing blood vessels in the nose, throat and sinuses. They are only for short term use (usually only for 3 days- check the product packaging). If you use them for longer than this, a rebound more severe congestion of your nose can happen.

Other examples of nasal sprays that can ease congestion are:

saline nasal sprays or drops which may help to thin the mucous and may reduce the amount of secretions from your nose
ipratropium nasal spray which helps to relieve a runny nose by drying up secretions of your nose and helps to stop mucous glands in your nose from overproducing watery mucous. Note: ipratropium can cause nasal dryness and nose bleeds.

Decongestants are not suitable for everyone. You should ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you have:

problems with your heart or kidneys
high blood pressure (hypertension)
diabetes
glaucoma
problems with your thyroid gland
prostate problems.

Children

Intranasal decongestants (containing oxymetazoline and xylometazoline) should not be used in children aged less than two years old. Other medicines for coughs and colds should not be used in children aged less than six years old.

Use the nasal drops as follows:

Gently blow your nose with a tissue to clear the nostrils.
Tilt your head back while sitting on a chair or lying down.
Hold the dropper over one nostril and squeeze in the required number of drops.
Keep your head tilted for a few seconds.
Repeat the steps for the other nostril.
Wipe the dropper with a clean tissue after each use.

Use the nasal spray as follows:

Shake the nasal spray before use.
Gently blow your nose with a tissue to clear the nostrils.
Use your finger to close the nostril on the side not receiving the medication.
Place the spray tip into the open nostril.
Spray the medication into the open nostril as you breathe in through your nose.
Sniff a few times to be sure the medication reaches deep into your nose.
Repeat the steps for the other nostril.
Wipe the spray tip with a clean tissue and put the cap back on.

Like all medicines, nasal decongestants can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Side effects	What should I do?
Burning, and stinging of your nostrils Sneezing	These are quite common when you first use a nasal spray or nasal drops. Tell your doctor if troublesome.
Dizziness Headache Shaking tremors Trouble sleeping	Tell your doctor if troublesome.
Signs of rebound nasal congestion, such as painful nostrils, increased or worsening runny nose, redness in your nostrils or bleeding nose.	Stop using the spray or drops. Tell your doctor immediately.
Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product(external link)