What is a Decongestant?
Decongestants are a type of medication used to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of a stuffy nose or cold.
This medication works by narrowing the blood vessels in the airways, thereby reducing swelling and excess mucus production.
This medication is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, oral liquid, or nasal spray.
The most common type is applied to the nose in the form of a nasal spray or nasal drops. Some medications are also combined with antihistamines, which help reduce allergy symptoms.
Benefits of Decongestants
This medicine has several benefits that are useful in treating symptoms of nasal congestion or colds. Here are some of its main benefits:
1. Relieves cold symptoms
This medication helps relieve cold symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and excess mucus production.
By reducing swelling and mucus production, the medication helps reduce excess mucus in the respiratory tract.
2. Facilitates sinus drainage
Medications given as nasal sprays or nasal drops can help facilitate sinus drainage.
This can help reduce swelling and pressure in the sinuses, thereby relieving sinusitis symptoms.
3. Increase comfort when flying or climbing mountains
It works by helping to reduce swelling in the respiratory tract and middle ear.
4. Increase the effectiveness of other drugs
Giving the drug before using other medications, such as antihistamines, may increase its effectiveness.
This combination can help reduce allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion and sneezing.
5. Reduces nasal congestion
The main benefit of the drug is to help reduce swelling in the respiratory tract and narrow the blood vessels in the nose.
This helps open the airways and increase the breathing rate.
Decongestant Dosage
The dosage of the drug may vary depending on the type used and the individual’s health condition.
However, below are some general guidelines for its use:
In oral form (tablets or capsules):
- Adults: 30 to 60 milligrams every 4 to 6 hours. Do not exceed 240 milligrams daily.
- Children: The dosage is determined directly by the doctor based on their age and weight.
In the form of nasal spray or nasal drops:
- Adults: 1 to 2 sprays or 2 to 3 drops into each nostril, at intervals of 4 to 6 hours.
- Children: The dosage is determined directly by the doctor based on their age and weight.
It is important to follow the dosage instructions on the product packaging or as directed by your doctor.
Do not exceed the recommended dose, unless advised by your doctor.
Decongestant Side Effects
The medication may cause mild side effects, including:
Side effects specific to nasal sprays include:
- Burning, stinging, or dryness inside the nostrils.
- Increased nasal mucus.
- Sneezing.
These more serious side effects are rare, but important to note:
- Anxiety.
- High blood pressure.
- Heart rate changes.
- Insomnia.
- Tremors.
- Severe dizziness or fainting.
- Numbness or pain in the hands or feet.
- Hallucinations.
- Convulsions.
- Psychosis.
- Difficulty urinating.
The drug is chemically related to adrenaline and the body’s natural stimulants.
Consuming caffeine and alcohol can increase the stimulant effects and worsen the side effects of this medication.
How to Use Decongestants
The following is the recommended way of use:
1. Read the instructions for use
Each type of medicine may have slightly different instructions for use. Before using it, read and follow the directions on the package or follow the directions given by your doctor or pharmacist.
2. Make sure the dosage is correct
Make sure you use the correct dosage according to the instructions given. Do not exceed the recommended dosage, unless advised by your doctor.
3. Use according to shape
Medications come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, oral liquids, or nasal sprays. Use the medication as directed.
If using as a nasal spray or nasal drops, be sure to spray it into the nose as directed.
4. Adhere to the usage schedule
Use of the drug is recommended for a short period of time, usually no more than a few days.
Adhere to the recommended usage schedule and avoid long-term use without medical advice.
5. Consult a doctor
If symptoms do not improve after using the medication, or if there are any worrisome side effects, contact your doctor immediately for further evaluation and medical advice.
Caution in Using Decongestants
There are several precautions that need to be taken into account when using decongestants. Here are some of them:
1. Limit long-term use
Medication should only be used for a short period of time, usually no more than a few days.
Long-term or excessive use can cause side effects and other health problems.
2. Avoid excessive use
Do not exceed the dose recommended by your doctor or stated on the packaging.
Using medication in too high doses can cause unwanted and dangerous side effects.
3. Not suitable for everyone
Some people may have certain health conditions or are taking certain medications.
Regarding this, discuss it with your doctor before using it.
4. Dependence
Long-term or excessive use of drugs can cause dependence.
Abruptly stopping the drug after long-term use may cause withdrawal symptoms.
5. Drug interactions
The drug may interact with other medications you are taking.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking before using them.
Decongestant Interactions
Decongestants can interact with several types of drugs, for example:
1. Interactions with high blood pressure medications
If you are taking high blood pressure medication, using decongestants can interfere with blood pressure regulation.
Consult your doctor before using medication if you have high blood pressure.
2. Interactions with appetite suppressants or stimulants
If you are taking appetite suppressants or stimulants, using decongestants may increase the side effects.
Examples include increased heart rate, restlessness, or sleep disturbances.
3. Interactions with antidepressant drugs
Some types of antidepressant medications, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can interact with decongestants and cause an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
Serotonin syndrome is a serious condition characterized by symptoms such as confusion, restlessness, sweating, tremors, or changes in heartbeat.
4. Interactions with MAO inhibitor drugs
Using decongestants together with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure.
Avoid using this medication if you are currently taking MAO inhibitors or have taken them in the last 14 days.
Contraindications of Decongestants
The drug has several contraindications, namely:
1. Hypersensitivity
Avoid the drug if you have hypersensitivity. Because, it can trigger allergic reactions characterized by skin rashes, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
2. Heart disorders
Medications can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
If you have a history of heart problems, such as arrhythmia, coronary heart disease, or heart failure, you should consult a doctor before using it.
3. High blood pressure
Use of medication may increase blood pressure. Discuss with your doctor before taking.
The doctor will give instructions on whether the drug is safe to use or not.
4. Thyroid disorders
Medications can affect thyroid function. If you have a thyroid disorder, such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or thyroid nodules, talk to your doctor about using decongestants.
5. Glaucoma
Decongestants can affect eye pressure and worsen glaucoma.
If you have glaucoma or a history of glaucoma, avoid using decongestants without your doctor’s approval.
Apart from the above groups, pregnant women should also not consume just any medication because it could harm the health of the fetus.