{"id":56237,"date":"2023-01-04T16:22:45","date_gmt":"2023-01-04T21:22:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=56237"},"modified":"2024-11-13T11:36:57","modified_gmt":"2024-11-13T16:36:57","slug":"best-medicine-for-congestion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-medicine-for-congestion\/","title":{"rendered":"The best medicine for congestion"},"content":{"rendered":"

Congestion or stuffiness can often occur due to allergies or a respiratory infection like the <\/span>common cold<\/span><\/a>. While it\u2019s not generally a cause for alarm, congestion can be bothersome and interfere with daily activities. It can also be accompanied by other symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes, and a cough. Luckily, there are many different treatment options available for congestion that are easily accessible over the counter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because there are different types of medicines for congestion, it can sometimes be hard to choose the best option. These medication options include oral and nasal decongestants, nasal steroid sprays, and antihistamines. In any case, it\u2019s always a good idea to check with a doctor or pharmacist to find the best treatment option for congestion, especially if other symptoms are present. One medication may be better than another, depending on the cause of the congestion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Continue reading to learn more about the types of medications available for congestion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of medications for congestion<\/span><\/h2>\n

Congestion occurs due to inflammation in the nasal passages, which can make it hard to breathe normally. Medications can work in different ways to treat congestion and vary in cost, side effects, and how they\u2019re administered. For example, some medications can be administered as oral tablets, nasal sprays, or both. These medications are typically available as over-the-counter medicines that can be purchased as brand or generic drugs. Although they\u2019re usually affordable, OTC medications can be expensive, especially in high quantities or strengths. Using a prescription discount card may help save on the cost of these medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Decongestants\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u200b\u200bOral and nasal decongestants are one of the most popular options for congestion. They work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages to reduce swelling and inflammation that leads to congestion. Oral decongestants include <\/span>Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and Sudafed PE (phenylephrine)<\/span><\/a>. Sudafed comes as an immediate-release pill that lasts for around four to six hours and an extended-release version that lasts for 12 or 24 hours. Oral decongestants start working quickly within 30 minutes to an hour.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nasal decongestant sprays work directly in the nasal passages with effects that come on more quickly than those of oral tablets, usually within minutes. However, decongestant sprays shouldn\u2019t be used for longer than three days due to the risk of <\/span>rebound congestion<\/span><\/a>. Therefore, decongestant sprays are only recommended for short-term relief. Examples of decongestant nasal sprays include Afrin (oxymetazoline), Otrivin (xylometazoline), and Privine (naphazoline).<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of decongestants include increased high blood pressure, fast heart rate, and trouble sleeping (<\/span>insomnia<\/span><\/a>). People with a history of uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, or diabetes should consult a healthcare provider and use decongestants with caution.<\/span><\/p>\n

Antihistamines\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Antihistamines are a class of drugs that can be used to help relieve nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing caused by allergic rhinitis or hay fever. They\u2019re not generally used for symptoms of the <\/span>common cold or flu<\/span><\/a>. Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine after contact with an allergen like dust mites, pollen, or pet dander. They\u2019re usually taken as an oral tablet, capsule, or liquid solution for allergies, and they can be purchased over the counter in brand and generic forms. Antihistamines generally start working quickly within 30 minutes and can provide relief for up to 24 hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Antihistamines are split into <\/span>two main groups<\/span><\/a>: first-generation antihistamines, including <\/span>Benadryl<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>diphenhydramine<\/span><\/a>), <\/span>Vicks Nyquil<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>doxylamine<\/span><\/a>), and <\/span>Dimetapp<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>brompheniramine<\/span><\/a>), and second-generation antihistamines, including <\/span>Claritin<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>loratadine<\/span><\/a>), <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>cetirizine<\/span><\/a>), and <\/span>Allegra<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>fexofenadine<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of antihistamines include drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. However, First-generation antihistamines tend to cause more drowsiness than second-generation antihistamines. Older people may need to use antihistamines with caution due to an increased risk of falls, which can lead to bone fractures. In addition, people with a history of seizures, glaucoma, or an enlarged prostate should use antihistamines with caution due to potentially worsened symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Steroid nasal sprays<\/span><\/h3>\n

Corticosteroid<\/span><\/a> or steroid nasal sprays are often used to relieve congestion from allergies. They work by reducing inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, and they\u2019re available in brand and generic versions with various active ingredients. Relief may be felt within hours of use, but it may take one to two weeks to experience the full benefits of nasal steroid sprays. For that reason, nasal steroid sprays are recommended to be started a couple of weeks before expected symptoms, such as before allergy season. In some cases, they may be used in addition to an oral antihistamine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples of steroid nasal sprays include <\/span>Flonase<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>fluticasone<\/span><\/a>), Rhinocort (<\/span>budesonide<\/span><\/a>), and Nasonex (<\/span>mometasone<\/span><\/a>). Nasal steroids are usually administered one to three times daily, depending on the medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of steroid nasal sprays may include irritation, burning, or dryness in the nose after use, as well as headache, nausea, and throat irritation. Systemic side effects are less likely with nasal steroids than with oral steroids. However, they are still possible, especially with long-term use or high dosages. These side effects include increased blood sugar levels, mood changes, high blood pressure, increased appetite, and weight gain. Other serious side effects include <\/span>Cushing\u2019s syndrome<\/span><\/a>, increased risk of infections, decrease in bone density, and stomach ulcers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pain relievers\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Although they don\u2019t directly relieve stuffiness and congestion, OTC pain relievers can help relieve sinus pain or discomfort that occurs along with congestion. Pain relievers like <\/span>Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen)<\/span><\/a> may help relieve discomfort, headache, or pain caused by congestion. These pain relievers also have antipyretic effects that can help reduce a fever, a symptom that can often accompany congestion. Acetaminophen is believed to work by reducing certain substances involved with pain and fever; however, it does not reduce inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help decrease inflammation and reduce pain and fever.<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of acetaminophen include headache, nausea, and an upset stomach. Acetaminophen also carries a risk of causing liver damage, especially when taken in high doses. While NSAIDs can cause minor side effects like acetaminophen, they can also cause serious gastrointestinal side effects, such as stomach ulcers, and cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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