From the Guidelines
To get rid of nasal congestion fast, try using an over-the-counter decongestant like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or phenylephrine, which work by shrinking swollen blood vessels in your nasal passages. For immediate relief, nasal sprays like oxymetazoline (Afrin) or phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) can work within minutes, but should not be used for more than 3 days to avoid rebound congestion 1.
Some key points to consider when using decongestants:
- Oral decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, are generally well tolerated but can cause side effects like insomnia, irritability, and palpitations 1.
- Topical decongestants can be used for short-term relief but may cause local stinging or burning, sneezing, and dryness of the nose and throat 1.
- Patients with certain conditions, such as arrhythmias, angina pectoris, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and hyperthyroidism, should use oral decongestants with caution 1.
Additional methods to help relieve nasal congestion include:
- Saline nasal sprays or rinses to flush out mucus and irritants
- Steam inhalation by taking a hot shower or breathing over a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head for 5-10 minutes to loosen mucus
- Staying hydrated with warm fluids like tea to thin mucus secretions
- Using a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air and prevent nasal passages from drying out
It's essential to note that if congestion persists beyond a week or is accompanied by fever or severe symptoms, you should consult a healthcare provider as it may indicate a more serious condition 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Uses • temporarily relieves sinus congestion and pressure • temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies Principal Display Panel Compare to Sudafed® Congestion active ingredient Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride, 30 mg Nasal Decongestant MAXIMUM STRENGTH Purpose Nasal decongestant
To get rid of nasal congestion fast, you can use a nasal decongestant like pseudoephedrine (PO) 2, which temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies.
- The drug is available in maximum strength formulations 2.
- Pseudoephedrine (PO) is used as a nasal decongestant 2.
From the Research
Nasal Congestion Relief Options
To get rid of nasal congestion fast, several options are available:
- Pseudoephedrine: a widely used oral decongestant that can be taken in tablet or syrup formulations every 4-6 hours 3
- Combination therapy: desloratadine and pseudoephedrine can be used together to treat allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion, with improvements in congestion observed by day 2 4
- Decongestants: phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylephrine are common decongestants, but their efficacy varies, with pseudoephedrine being effective in reducing nasal airway resistance 5
Important Considerations
When using nasal decongestants:
- Topical decongestants can provide faster and more intense relief, but may have a shorter duration and potential for rebound congestion 5
- Oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine can be effective, but may have adverse effects like increased heart rate 3
- Phenylephrine is not recommended due to its limited bioavailability and lack of efficacy in reducing nasal congestion 5, 6
- Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine should not be used in patients under 15 years old, and their use should be carefully considered in patients with allergic rhinitis due to potential severe cardiovascular and neurological adverse events 7
Safety and Efficacy
Studies have shown that:
- Pseudoephedrine is a safe and effective treatment for nasal congestion associated with upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) 3
- Desloratadine and pseudoephedrine combination therapy is efficacious in treating allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion 4
- Phenylephrine is not significantly better than placebo in relieving nasal congestion in adults with seasonal allergic rhinitis 6