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There are several different types of decongestants available in several forms, including:
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Eye drops
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Tablet
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Capsule
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Liquid
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Nasal spray
Most nasal spray decongestants work very quickly (in about 10 minutes) and can help to reduce nasal congestion for up to 12 hours. Nasal sprays only affect the areas of the nose and sinuses, limiting the number and severity of potential side effects (which may include a stinging or burning sensation within the nose or nosebleeds).
Oral (taken by mouth) decongestants begin to work in about 30 minutes and some can reduce nasal congestion for up to 24 hours. Oral forms of the medication cause blood vessels to constrict throughout the body, which can reduce the medication’s effectiveness and are more likely to cause adverse side effects (such as increased blood pressure or difficulty urinating).
In addition, decongestants used to treat colds and flu are often available in combination medications. Such combinations include:
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Decongestant/antihistamine combinations. These drugs are used to treat a stuffy nose, runny nose and sneezing. The antihistamine inhibits effects of the natural body chemical histamine (which causes inflammation and narrows the airways), while the decongestant constricts blood vessels, reducing nasal congestion.
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Decongestant/antihistamine/analgesic (pain relief) combinations. These drugs provide the same treatment response as antihistamine/decongestant combinations, but also add an analgesic that helps relieve fever, headache, as well as aches and pains associated with colds and the flu. Decongestant/analgesic combinations also are available that do not include the antihistamine effect.
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Decongestant/antihistamine/anticholinergic (antispasmodic) combinations. These drugs provide the same treatment response as antihistamine/decongestant combinations, but also add an anticholinergic that produces a drying effect in the nose and chest.
Most decongestants are available over-the-counter (OTC) and although there are several different brands available, all contain similar medication that works in the same manner.
Decongestants in common use include:
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Generic Name
|
Brand Name(s)
|
|
pseudoephedrine
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Sudafed
|
|
pseudoephedrine
with triprolidine
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Actifed (decongestant
plus antihistamine)
|
|
pseudoephedrine
with fexofenadine
|
Allegra-D (decongestant
plus antihistamine)
|
|
pseudoephedrine
with loratadine
|
Claritin-D (decongestant
plus antihistamine)
|
|
pseudoephedrine
with guaifenesin
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Mucinex-D Extended Release (decongestant
plus expectorant)
|
|
pseudoephedrine
with cetirizine
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Zyrtec-D (decongestant
plus antihistamine)
|
|
oxymetazoline
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Afrin
|
|
xylometazoline
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Otrivin
|
|
Naphazoline
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Allerest, Clear Eyes, Naphcon
|
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tetrahydrozoline
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Visine
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Some common decongestant/antihistamine combinations include:
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Generic Name
|
Brand Name(s)
|
|
Chlorpheniramine and Pseudoephedrine
|
Allerest Maximum Strength
Chlor-Trimeton
Colfed-A
Deconamine
Kronofed-A Kronocaps
Novafed A
PediaCare Cold Formula
Pseudo-Chlor
Rescon
Tanafed
|
|
Chlorpheniramine, Pyrilamine and Phenylephrine
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Atrohist Pediatric Suspension Dye Free
R-Tannamine
Triotann
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|
Brompheniramine and Pseudoephedrine
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Bromadrine TR
Bromfed
Bromfenex
Iofed
Lodrane
Respahist
ULTRAbrom
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Some common decongestant/analgesic combinations include:
|
Generic Name
|
Brand Name(s)
|
|
Pseudoephedrine and Acetaminophen
|
Actifed Sinus Daytime
Coldrine
Dristan Cold
Sudafed Sinus Without Drowsiness
Tylenol Sinus
|
|
Pseudoephedrine and Ibuprofen
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Advil Cold & Sinus
Motrin IB Sinus
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Some common decongestant/antihistamine/analgesic combinations include:
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Generic Name
|
Brand Name(s)
|
|
Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine and Acetaminophen
|
Actifed Cold & Sinus
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine
TheraFlu/Flu & Cold Medicine
|
|
Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine and Acetaminophen
|
Tylenol Flu NightTime Medication
|
|
Dexbrompheniramine, Pseudoephedrine and Acetaminophen
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Drixoral Cold & Flu
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Some common decongestant/antihistamine/anticholinergic combinations include:
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Generic Name
|
Brand Name(s)
|
|
Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, and Methscopolamin
|
AH-chew
D.A. Chewable
Dallergy
Dura-Vent/DA
Extendryl
Mescolor
OMNIhist L.A.
Stahist
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It is very important not to exceed the recommended dose of any medication, including OTC drugs. Follow all directions on the package and contact a physician if there are any questions about the medication or its effects. OTC medications with ephedrine and pseudoephedrine may be kept behind the counter – rather than on store shelves – because of widespread abuse of these drugs. It may be necessary to ask a store clerk or pharmacist for assistance when purchasing these medications. Some stores may also require the customer to be 18 years of age or older. |
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