Decongestant medication
Who can take decongestants
Most people can use decongestants safely,but they're not suitable for everyone.
Theyshouldn't be used by the following groups of peoplewithout getting advice from a pharmacist orGP first:
- babies and childrendecongestants shouldn't be given to children under six years old and should only be used by children aged 6-12 on the advice of a GP or pharmacist
- pregnant and breastfeeding women it's not clearwhether it'ssafe to take decongestants if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, so you should only use them if advised by a healthcare professional
- people taking other medications (see Interactions with other medications below)
- people with diabetes
- people with high blood pressure
- people with an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
- men with an enlarged prostate
- people with liver, kidney, heart or circulation problems
- people with glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
Thepatient information leaflet that comes with your medicinewillstate who shouldn't use it and who should seek advice before using it.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Decongestants are medicines that can provide short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose (nasal congestion). Find out about the different types and who can take them.
Types of decongestants
Decongestants are available as: nasal sprays tablets or capsules liquids or syrups flavoured powders to dissolve in hot water Someproducts may justcontain decongestant medication, but many are
Who can take decongestants
Most people can use decongestants safely,but they're not suitable for everyone. Theyshouldn't be used by the following groups of peoplewithout getting advice from a pharmacist orGP first: babies an
How to use decongestants
Most decongestants should only be used three or four times a day. Check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine for advice about how much totake and how often to take it. If you
Side effects of decongestants
Decongestant medicines don't usually have side effects, and any side effects you mayexperience are usually mild. Possibleside effects can include: irritationof the lining of your nose headaches
Interactions withother medications
Seek advice from a pharmacist or GP before taking decongestants if you're taking other medications. Decongestants canincrease or decreasethe effect of some other medications. For example, takingdecon
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