What are some over the counter decongestants?

Some over-the-counter decongestants -- those with pseudoephedrine -- are found behind the pharmacy counter.

Common decongestants include:

  • Afrin, Dristan, Vicks Sinex (oxymetazoline)
  • Sudafed PE, Suphedrin PE (phenylephrine)
  • Silfedrine, Sudafed, Suphedrin (pseudoephedrine)

Similarly, it is asked, what is the best over the counter decongestant?

Our Top Picks

  • Flonase Allergy Relief Nasal Spray at Amazon.
  • GoodSense Nasal Decongestant at Amazon.
  • Sudafed PE Pressure + Pain + Relief at Amazon.
  • NasalCrom Nasal Allergy Controller at Amazon.
  • Mucinex Sinus-Max Night Time Relief Liquid at Amazon.
  • Breathe Right Clear Nasal Strips at Jet.
  • Afrin Original Nasal Spray at Amazon.

Subsequently, question is, what drug is similar to Sudafed? You may know pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine from their use in Sudafed products. Sudafed contains pseudoephedrine, while Sudafed PE contains phenylephrine. The drugs are also available in several combinations with other over-the-counter cough and cold medications. These drugs are both nasal decongestants.

Also know, what is the most effective sinus decongestant?

Over-the-counter decongestants such as Sudafed are "good stuff," according to Dr. Lane. The medications work by shrinking blood vessels that cause the nose to be stuffy.

What are examples of decongestant?

Other examples of nasal decongestants include:

  • oxymetazoline (Afrin)
  • pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
  • phenylephrine.
  • levo-methamphetamine.
  • naphazoline.
  • phenylpropanolamine (as of December 2015 the FDA is taking steps to remove this medication from the market)
  • propylhexedrine (Benzedrex, Obesin)

How can I get my sinuses to drain?

Rotating warm and cold compresses on your sinuses should also help.
  1. Lay back with a warm compress draped across your nose, cheeks, and forehead for three minutes.
  2. Remove the warm compress and replace it with a cold compress for 30 seconds.
  3. Do this two to three times.

What foods should you avoid if you have sinus problems?

You may think of milk, sweets, sweet beverages as comfort foods but if you are battling sinusitis, they may be adding to your discomfort as the protein in milk tends to increase and thicken mucous secretions so your best bet would be to avoid milk and dairy products especially at the time of sinus attack.

How do you get rid of congestion fast?

Here are eight things you can do now to feel and breathe better.
  1. Use a humidifier. A humidifier provides a quick, easy way to reduce sinus pain and relieve a stuffy nose.
  2. Take a shower.
  3. Stay hydrated.
  4. Use a saline spray.
  5. Drain your sinuses.
  6. Use a warm compress.
  7. Try decongestants.
  8. Take antihistamines or allergy medicine.

What is the best thing to take for congestion?

  • Mucinex Sinus Max Severe Congestion & Pain.
  • Equate Congestion Suphedrine PE Nasal Decongestant.
  • Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain Relief.
  • Robitussin Severe CF Maximum Strength Cold, Cough & Flu.
  • Mucinex Sinus Max Nasal Spray.
  • NoseFrida The SnotSucker Baby Nasal Saline Kit.
  • Vicks DayQuil Cold & Flu Multi-Symptom Relief.

What is a natural decongestant?

A few herbal treatments, especially menthol and eucalyptus oil, can also help ease a stuffy nose. Menthol, a derivative of peppermint oil, can be found in inhaled balms and rubs for congestion.

Which is better Sudafed or mucinex?

Sudafed is a nasal decongestant used to temporarily relieve sinus congestion and pressure. Mucinex is a chest decongestant, or expectorant, which helps loosen phlegm (mucus). It also helps thin bronchial secretions, helping you to cough up and get rid of mucus (sometimes called a productive cough).

Can Sudafed make congestion worse?

Examples of commonly used decongestants include phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine. In addition, using nonprescription decongestant nasal sprays (Afrin, Dristan, others) for more than three or four days can cause even worse nasal congestion once the decongestant wears off (rebound rhinitis).

How do you treat severe nasal congestion?

Home Treatments
  1. Use a humidifier or vaporizer.
  2. Take long showers or breathe in steam from a pot of warm (but not too hot) water.
  3. Drink lots of fluids.
  4. Use a nasal saline spray.
  5. Try a Neti pot, nasal irrigator, or bulb syringe.
  6. Place a warm, wet towel on your face.
  7. Prop yourself up.
  8. Avoid chlorinated pools.

What pressure points drain sinuses?

Three ways to relieve sinus pain and congestion Use your thumbs on the inner point of each eyebrow, in line with the side of the nose. Press for 30 seconds and release, repeat until you feel the pain relieve. If the pressure is applied properly the mucus will clear and you'll feel relief from the pain and congestion.

How do you massage sinuses to drain?

1. Frontal sinus massage
  1. Start by rubbing your hands together to warm them up.
  2. Place your index and middle fingers on either side of the forehead, just above the eyebrows.
  3. Massage slowly in a circular outward motion, working your way outwards, towards the temples.
  4. Do this for about 30 seconds.

How do you get rid of a stuffy nose while sleeping?

Sleeping propped up on your back is your best option when you have a stuffy nose. Take a steamy shower before bed or run a humidifier in your bedroom because the moist air will make the mucus in your airways runnier and more comfortable to get out.

Is blowing your nose bad?

Blowing your nose could make it more stuffed. Blowing your nose could make you feel worse. That's because you're building up the pressure in your nostrils. This pressure can cause mucus to shoot up into your sinuses, instead of out of your nose.

How do you use Vicks for nasal congestion?

Give yourself a sinus relief massage: You can use your fingers to gently massage your sinuses to get nasal congestion relief. For example, place your index fingers on both sides of your nose where the nose and cheek meet (with one finger on each side), and apply moderate pressure for 2 to 3 minutes.

What sinus pressure feels like?

Pain is a common symptom of sinusitis. Inflammation and swelling cause your sinuses to ache with a dull pressure. You may feel pain in your forehead, on either side of your nose, in your upper jaws and teeth, or between your eyes. This may lead to a headache.

Is it better to take a decongestant or not?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it's generally not a good idea to take oral or nasal decongestants of any type for a long period of time. The longer you take decongestants, the more likely you are to experience unwanted side effects. Not only that, but these drugs tend to lose their effectiveness over time.

Why do my sinuses get worse at night?

Blood flow means more inflammation This can cause tissue to swell up, leading to worse sinus symptoms. We tend to lie down toward the end of the day, particularly when we go to bed. It's the change in physical position that can contribute to a worse sinus infection at night.

Is it bad to take a decongestant everyday?

Decongestants are used to reduce swelling in the nasal passageways. However, nasal spray decongestants should not be used for more than a few days because, if they are used too long and then stopped, they can cause rebound symptoms.

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