Decongestant

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Decongestants are a type of medicine that are used to relieve nasal congestion in the upper respiratory tract. The active ingredient in decongestants is usually either pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

Decongestants work by constricting the blood vessels in the nose, which reduces the amount of blood flow to the area. This in turn reduces swelling and congestion.

Types of Decongestants[edit | edit source]

There are two main types of decongestants: oral decongestants and nasal decongestants.

Oral Decongestants[edit | edit source]

Oral decongestants are taken by mouth and are typically used to treat symptoms of a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection. They are available over-the-counter and by prescription.

Nasal Decongestants[edit | edit source]

Nasal decongestants are applied directly to the nasal passages. They are typically used to treat symptoms of a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection. They are available over-the-counter and by prescription.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Like all medicines, decongestants can cause side effects. These can include:

Precautions[edit | edit source]

Decongestants should not be used by people with certain health conditions, including:

See Also[edit | edit source]

Decongestant Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD