Decongestants
Decongestants are drugs that dry up nasal, sinus and bronchial secretions. They open sinus drains and help evacuate mucous from the sinus cavities.
Decongestants are helpful for the following symptoms:
 | Post nasal drip |
| Nasal congestion |
| Some coughs |
| Sinus problems |
| Some headaches especially from sinus problems |
Decongestants DO NOT IMPROVE:
| Asthma |
| Itchy eyes, nose & throat of hay fever |
| Itchy skin |
| Hives |
| Allergic reactions to drugs, insect stings, poison ivy or allergy shots. |
Common Side Effects of Decongestants Include:
| Dry mouth or throat |
| Heart racing |
| Insomnia - You might not be able to fall asleep if taken late in the day |
| Anxiety |
| Hyperactivity in children |
| In active asthma, decongestants can make secretions in the lungs harder to clear |
| Difficulty in urinating, especially in men over 50 years old |
DECONGESTANTS & SINUSITIS
Decongestants are a mainstay treatment for sinus problems. They should be taken whenever a sinus infection or cold starts and should be continued daily with antibiotics for this infection. Decongestants can be continued after the infection on an "as needed" basis.
Their benefit should be felt within the first hour of taking them.
DECONGESTANTS & HAY FEVER
Decongestants can help the mucous, post nasal drip and nasal congestion that accompanies hay fever.
DECONGESTANTS & ASTHMA
Decongestants can be safely used by those with asthma who have post nasal drip, colds, sinus infections, etc. If asthma is becoming more active than usual, decongestants should be stopped until the asthma is better controlled.
DECONGESTANTS & PREGNANCY
Low dose decongestants are safe in pregnancy, such as over the counter Sudafed.
DECONGESTANTS & CHILDREN
Decongestants are safe for children. It must be noted they can become hyperactive and behavior problems can occur.
| EXAMPLES OF DECONGESTANTS INCLUDE: |
| Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) |
| Deconsal II (Guaifenesin 600/Pseudoephedrine 60) |
| Entex
LA (Guaifenesin 400/Phenylpropanolamine 75) WARNING: All phenylpropanolamine has been pulled from the market. READ FDA REPORT Some of these products may have been formulated to use pseudoephedrine instead of phenylproplanolamine |
| Entex PSE, Zephrex or Duratuss (Guaifenesin 600/Pseudoephedrine 120) |
| Duravent
(Guaifenesin 600/Phenylpropanolamine 600) WARNING: All phenylpropanolamine has been pulled from the market. READ FDA REPORT Some of these products may have been formulated to use pseudoephedrine instead of phenylproplanolamine |
| Guaifed or Guaifed PD (Guaifenesin/Pseudoephedrine) |
| Tuss-ornade
(phenylpropanolamine/ETOH) WARNING: All phenylpropanolamine has been pulled from the market. READ FDA REPORT Some of these products may have been formulated to use pseudoephedrine instead of phenylproplanolamine |
| COMBINATION DECONGESTANTS - ANTIHISTAMINES INCLUDE: |
| Bromfed or Bromfed PD (Bromfeniramine/pseudoephedrine) |
| Claritin D |
| Polyhistine D |
| Naldecon |
| Rynatan |
| Tinalin repetabs |
| Tavist D |
| Semprex D |
| Deconamine |
| Most of the over the counter cough / cold / headache medications |
WARNING: All phenylpropanolamine has been
pulled from the market.
READ FDA REPORT
Some of these products may have been
formulated to use pseudoephedrine instead of phenylproplanolamine, these
include:
| Acutrim® 16 Hour |
| Amfed® T.D. |
| Dexatrim® Caffeine-Free Extended Duration |
| Dura-Vent® |
| Efed® II |
| Entex LA® |
| Propagest® |
| Rymed-TR® |
| Thinz-Span® |
| Utex S/R® |
| Many Other Brand Names Available |