Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
Decongestants for Sinusitis
Nasal sprays containing decongestants should not be used for more than 3 days in a row. If used for longer periods, you may have rebound congestion.
Avoid decongestant medicines that contain antihistamines unless your doctor specifically recommends them.
Avoid taking too much of a decongestant because it can cause high blood pressure, nervousness, kidney failure, heart rhythm disturbances, strokes, and seizures. Commonly used decongestants have little effect on blood pressure when used as directed. Talk with your doctor first before using decongestants if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Avoid taking two medicines that contain decongestants at the same time because of possible overdose. Many nonprescription preparations for other health problems, such as some diet pills, contain decongestants.
Talk to your doctor before using decongestants if you have problems with blood flow to the heart (ischemic heart disease), diabetes, or thyroid problems. Also, talk with your ophthalmologist before using decongestant medicines if you have glaucoma or other conditions that cause increased pressure inside the eye. Before prescribing a decongestant, your doctor will want to know whether you are taking tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are sometimes used to treat depression and migraine headaches.
Saline (saltwater) nasal sprays and washes may help clear up a stuffy nose. Both are available at pharmacies without a prescription. A humidifier may also help thick or dried mucus to drain.
Decongestants may not be safe for young children or for people who have certain health problems. Before you use them, check the label. If you do use these medicines, always follow the directions about how much to use based on age and in some cases weight.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) 
(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: August 3, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
Care Finder
from
- Facebook is now fueling organ donations
- Military women and suicide: Home safe but not sound
- Still in gear: Injuries don’t stop veterans on 100-day bike trek
- Ask Jenna: I've hit a weight loss plateau. What do I do?
- He poses in a tutu to laugh in face of wife's cancer
- After chemo hair loss, 'henna crowns' help heal
The iVillage Network