{"id":57235,"date":"2023-02-19T15:50:48","date_gmt":"2023-02-19T20:50:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=57235"},"modified":"2026-07-09T19:32:35","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T23:32:35","slug":"best-decongestant-for-ears","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-decongestant-for-ears\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the best decongestant for ears?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re experiencing ear congestion while sick with the common cold or the flu, you might be looking for the best decongestant for clogged ears. The best OTC decongestant for ears will depend on the underlying cause and the type of symptoms present. For example, some decongestants may be better for congestion caused by allergies, while others may be better for congestion caused by a sinus infection.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Certain ear decongestants may come in different forms for adults and children. Young children are especially prone to experiencing ear congestion due to having shorter and narrower eustachian tubes<\/a> than adults. Home remedies and other self-care methods can sometimes relieve mild or temporary congestion, such as congestion caused by high altitudes.<\/p>\n

Continue reading to learn about the best decongestant for ears.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>See our best Afrin prices<\/b><\/a> | <\/b>See our best Sudafed prices<\/b><\/a> | <\/b>See our best Flonase prices<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Why are my ears congested?\u00a0<\/h2>\n

When deciding on the best decongestant for sinuses and ears, it\u2019s important to know what could be causing the congestion in the first place. Ear congestion is typically a sign of eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). It is caused by various problems with the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the upper throat.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The most common causes of ETD include bacterial infections of the ear and sinuses that can cause inflammation and mucus buildup in the eustachian tubes. Other symptoms can accompany ear congestion, such as ear pressure, earache, and stuffy nose.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Many cases of ETD are mild and temporary. For example, if you\u2019ve ever traveled in an airplane, you may have experienced certain ETD symptoms like ear discomfort or a feeling of pressure in the ears. However, some cases of ETD can be more serious, requiring over-the-counter (OTC) medications or even prescription drugs. Congestion caused by sinusitis or allergies can often be treated with OTC decongestants.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Common decongestants<\/h2>\n

Decongestants<\/a> help relieve congestion in the nasal passages and sinuses. However, they can also be useful for treating congestion in the ears. Drugs for congestion can work in different ways to reduce inflammation. They can also come in different forms, such as oral tablets and nasal sprays.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Here are the most common decongestants used:<\/p>\n

Oral decongestants<\/h3>\n

Oral decongestants come as tablets, capsules, and liquids. Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and Sudafed PE (phenylephrine) are the most common oral decongestants\u2014although, in 2024, the FDA recommended removing the ingredient phenylephrine from the market, as they have found it not to be effective as a nasal decongestant when taken by mouth.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Oral decongestants work to relieve nasal and sinus congestion, which may help relieve discomfort in the ears. They generally start working within 15 to 30 minutes. Their effects last for around four to six hours. Extended-release formulations of pseudoephedrine that provide relief for up to 12 hours are also available.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSudafed Sinus Congestion 120 mg (60 Extended-release tablets)\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Carrollton, VA\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\"Publix\"\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$22.52\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$25.02\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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Nasal decongestant sprays<\/h3>\n

Nasal decongestant sprays work directly on the nasal passages. They help narrow the blood vessels to reduce inflammation and congestion. Afrin (oxymetazoline) and NeoSynephrine (phenylephrine nasal) are examples of nasal decongestant sprays.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Decongestant sprays generally start working quickly to relieve symptoms. However, decongestant sprays should not be used for longer than three consecutive days due to the risk of rebound congestion<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Saline spray<\/h3>\n

Nasal saline sprays contain a mixture of salt (sodium) and water. Although they are not decongestants, they work by clearing excess mucus, bacteria, and other debris in the nasal passages that may contribute to ETD. They are especially useful in children for gently clearing nasal mucus and reducing inflammation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Antihistamines<\/h3>\n

Antihistamines contain active ingredients that block the effects of histamine. These OTC drugs are useful for treating allergic rhinitis (hay fever) symptoms, such as a runny nose and congestion, caused by exposure to allergens like pollen and dust.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Antihistamines come as oral tablets, capsules, and liquids, and they start working within 30 minutes with effects that last up to 24 hours. Antihistamines include Claritin (loratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine), and Zyrtec (cetirizine). Antihistamines do not contain a decongestant on their own, but some are available in combination formulations that include a decongestant ingredient as well, such as Claritin-D.<\/p>\n

Nasal steroid sprays<\/h3>\n

Nasal steroid sprays reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. Like antihistamines, they can help relieve sinus congestion caused by allergies. As allergies can also cause ETD, nasal steroid sprays can effectively treat congestion in the ears.\u00a0<\/p>\n

They are typically used one to two times per day. However, nasal steroids can take up to a week or longer to provide maximum benefits. Examples of nasal steroid sprays include Flonase (fluticasone), Nasonex (mometasone), Nasacort (triamcinolone), and Rhinocort (budesonide).\u00a0<\/p>\n

The best decongestants for clogged ears\u00a0<\/h2>\n

The best decongestant for ears depends on the individual, the cause of the symptoms, and other factors like cost and generic availability. Although most OTC decongestants can be affordable, some may be more expensive.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, OTC decongestants are rarely covered by insurance. However, using a SingleCare discount card or coupon may help you save on the drug’s retail price. (Note: even though these drugs do not require a prescription for purchase, you\u2019ll need a prescription from a healthcare provider in order to apply the SingleCare discount.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare decongestants for clogged ears<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Medication<\/b><\/td>\nUsual adult dosage<\/b><\/td>\nCoupons<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)<\/strong><\/td>\n30\u201360 mg by mouth every 4\u20136 hours as needed<\/td>\nSudafed coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Afrin (oxymetazoline)<\/strong><\/td>\n2\u20133 sprays in each nostril every 10\u201312 hours as needed (for no more than 3 days in a row)<\/td>\nAfrin coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Deep Sea Nasal Spray (saline spray)<\/strong><\/td>\n2\u20133 sprays in each nostril as needed<\/td>\nSaline spray coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Claritin (loratadine)<\/strong><\/td>\n10 mg once daily as needed<\/td>\nClaritin coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Zyrtec (cetirizine)<\/strong><\/td>\n10 mg once daily as needed<\/td>\nZyrtec coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Flonase (fluticasone)<\/strong><\/td>\n2 sprays in each nostril once daily for 1 week, then 1\u20132 sprays in each nostril once daily\u00a0<\/td>\nFlonase coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nasonex (mometasone)<\/strong><\/td>\n2 sprays in each nostril once daily<\/td>\nNasonex coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nasacort (triamcinolone)<\/strong><\/td>\n2 sprays in each nostril once daily; may reduce to 1 spray in each nostril once daily once symptoms improve<\/td>\nNasacort coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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There is a lack of data directly comparing the effectiveness of decongestants. However, one study<\/a> found phenylephrine is no more effective than a placebo. The study also found that pseudoephedrine is a more effective oral decongestant than phenylephrine. As mentioned above, the FDA has stated that when taken in oral forms, phenylephrine is not effective as a nasal decongestant.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Decongestant nasal sprays may work more quickly than oral decongestants. However, they are limited by an increased risk of rebound congestion if used for more than a few days. For patients with ETD caused by allergic rhinitis, a nasal steroid spray and antihistamine are better options than other drugs.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Some medications may be found as combinations of drugs. For example, an antihistamine and decongestant combination can often be found over the counter. Combination drugs may provide more relief than single drugs. However, it\u2019s always best to check with a healthcare provider before trying a new medicine, as not every drug is safe for everyone.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to note that nasal sprays should only be used in the nose. They should not be used in the ears. It\u2019s best to speak with a pharmacist for directions on how to use your medicine if you have concerns.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ear decongestant side effects\u00a0<\/h2>\n

As with other OTC drugs and prescription medications, decongestants can cause side effects<\/a>. In most cases, side effects are mild and go away on their own. However, serious side effects are possible, especially in people with certain medical conditions.<\/p>\n

The most common side effects of oral decongestants include:<\/p>\n