Which OTC nasal decongestants are most effective for sinus congestion. How do different types of decongestants work. What are the best options for allergies, headaches, and nighttime relief. What should you consider when choosing a nasal decongestant.

Understanding Nasal Decongestants: Types and Mechanisms

Nasal decongestants are over-the-counter medications designed to provide relief from sinus congestion and related symptoms. To choose the most appropriate option, it’s crucial to understand the different types available and how they work:

• Decongestant ingredients: These dilate blood vessels to relieve sinus pressure
• Antihistamine ingredients: Block the body’s response to allergens
• Corticosteroid ingredients: Reduce immune response to allergens and decrease inflammation

Common decongestant types include:

1. Phenylephrine decongestants: Best for cold and flu-related congestion
2. Pseudoephedrine decongestants: Effective for cold and flu symptoms
3. Intranasal decongestants: Target congestion directly through nasal application
4. Intranasal corticosteroids: Ideal for hay fever and allergies
5. Antihistamines: Primarily address sneezing and runny nose

Top Picks for Allergy-Induced Sinus Congestion

For those suffering from allergy-related sinus issues, certain decongestants prove particularly effective. Are there specific options tailored for allergy relief? Indeed, products like Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion Ultratabs offer targeted relief:

Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion Ultratabs

Price range: $$
Type: Oral tablet
Drowsy effect: Yes

Key features:

• Contains diphenhydramine (antihistamine) and phenylephrine (decongestant)
• Fast-acting formula
• Can be taken every 4 hours

While effective for allergy symptoms, it’s important to note that this medication may cause drowsiness. Users should exercise caution when taking it during activities requiring alertness.

Combating Sinus Headaches: OTC Solutions

Sinus headaches can be particularly debilitating. Is there an OTC decongestant specifically formulated to address this issue? Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain offers a compelling solution:

Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain

Price range: $$$
Type: Oral tablet
Drowsy effect: No

Key benefits:

• Combines phenylephrine (decongestant) with ibuprofen (pain reliever)
• Can be taken every 4 hours
• Highly rated by users with frequent sinus headaches

This dual-action formula addresses both nasal swelling and pain, making it a popular choice for those seeking comprehensive sinus headache relief.

Nasal Sprays: Direct Relief for Severe Congestion

For those seeking more immediate relief, nasal sprays offer a direct approach to tackling congestion. Which nasal spray stands out for severe sinus congestion? Afrin No Drip Severe Congestion is a top contender:

Afrin No Drip Severe Congestion

Price range: $$
Type: Nasal spray
Drowsy effect: No

Notable features:

• Fast-acting formula
• No-drip design for comfortable application
• Provides up to 12 hours of relief

While effective, it’s crucial to follow usage instructions carefully. Prolonged use of nasal sprays can lead to rebound congestion, so limiting use to 3 consecutive days is recommended.

Child-Friendly Decongestants: Safe and Effective Options

When it comes to children’s congestion, finding a safe and effective solution is paramount. Are there decongestants specifically designed for kids? Little Remedies Decongestant Nose Drops offer a gentle yet effective option:

Little Remedies Decongestant Nose Drops

Price range: $
Type: Nasal drops
Drowsy effect: No

Key advantages:

• Formulated specifically for infants and children
• Saline-based for gentle relief
• Easy to administer

These drops provide a safe way to alleviate congestion in young children without the risks associated with some adult medications.

Day and Night Relief: 24-Hour Sinus Care

For those seeking round-the-clock relief, combination day and night formulas can be particularly beneficial. Is there an OTC option that provides continuous relief? Sudafed PE Day and Night Sinus Pressure Tablets offer a comprehensive solution:

Sudafed PE Day and Night Sinus Pressure Tablets

Price range: $$
Type: Oral tablets
Drowsy effect: Varies (day/night formulas)

Unique features:

• Daytime formula for non-drowsy relief
• Nighttime formula to aid sleep
• Addresses multiple symptoms including congestion, pain, and fever

This dual-formula approach allows users to manage their symptoms effectively throughout the day and night, ensuring consistent relief.

Budget-Friendly Decongestants: Effective Relief at Lower Costs

Quality sinus relief doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag. Are there affordable OTC decongestants that still deliver results? Cabinet Nasal Decongestant Tablets offer a cost-effective solution:

Cabinet Nasal Decongestant Tablets

Price range: $
Type: Oral tablet
Drowsy effect: No

Noteworthy aspects:

• Contains phenylephrine for effective congestion relief
• Affordable pricing
• Simple, straightforward formula

These tablets provide a no-frills approach to sinus relief, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking effective treatment.

Nighttime Decongestants: Promoting Rest and Recovery

Getting quality sleep while congested can be challenging. Is there a decongestant specifically designed for nighttime use? Mucinex Night Shift Cold and Flu offers a solution tailored for bedtime relief:

Mucinex Night Shift Cold and Flu

Price range: $$$
Type: Oral liquid
Drowsy effect: Yes

Key benefits:

• Combines decongestant, pain reliever, and cough suppressant
• Formulated to promote sleep
• Addresses multiple nighttime cold and flu symptoms

This comprehensive nighttime formula not only tackles congestion but also aids in achieving restful sleep, crucial for recovery from cold and flu symptoms.

Choosing the Right Decongestant: Factors to Consider

Selecting the most appropriate decongestant involves considering several factors. How can you determine which product is best suited for your needs? Consider the following aspects:

• Specific symptoms: Target products that address your primary concerns
• Duration of relief: Consider how long you need symptom management
• Potential side effects: Be aware of drowsiness or other reactions
• Existing health conditions: Consult with a healthcare provider if you have underlying health issues
• Medication interactions: Check for potential conflicts with other medications you’re taking

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a decongestant that offers optimal relief while minimizing potential risks or side effects.

Understanding Decongestant Safety and Usage Guidelines

While OTC decongestants are generally safe when used as directed, it’s crucial to follow proper usage guidelines. What are some key safety considerations for using nasal decongestants? Keep these points in mind:

• Adhere to recommended dosages and frequency of use
• Be aware of potential side effects such as increased heart rate or blood pressure
• Limit use of nasal sprays to 3 consecutive days to avoid rebound congestion
• Consult a healthcare provider before use if you have chronic conditions or are pregnant
• Avoid combining multiple decongestant products to prevent overdosing on active ingredients

By following these guidelines, you can safely and effectively manage your sinus congestion symptoms while minimizing potential risks.

Natural Alternatives to OTC Decongestants

For those seeking non-medicinal options, several natural remedies can provide sinus relief. What are some effective natural alternatives to OTC decongestants? Consider these options:

1. Saline nasal irrigation: Cleans and moisturizes nasal passages
2. Steam inhalation: Helps loosen mucus and reduce inflammation
3. Essential oils: Eucalyptus or peppermint oil can help clear airways
4. Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus
5. Elevation: Sleeping with your head elevated can promote sinus drainage

While these natural methods may not provide immediate relief like OTC medications, they can be effective for mild congestion and have fewer side effects.

When to Seek Professional Medical Advice

While OTC decongestants can effectively manage many cases of sinus congestion, certain situations warrant professional medical attention. When should you consult a healthcare provider for sinus issues? Consider seeking medical advice if:

• Symptoms persist for more than 10 days
• You experience severe pain or pressure in your face or forehead
• You develop a high fever (over 101.5°F or 38.6°C)
• Your nasal discharge is yellow or green and accompanied by fever or headache
• You have recurring sinus infections

A healthcare provider can determine if your symptoms indicate a more serious condition, such as a bacterial sinus infection, which may require prescription treatment.

The Future of Sinus Congestion Treatment

As medical research advances, new approaches to treating sinus congestion are emerging. What innovations are on the horizon for sinus relief? Some promising developments include:

• Targeted nasal delivery systems for more effective drug administration
• Novel anti-inflammatory compounds with fewer side effects
• Personalized treatment plans based on individual microbiome profiles
• Advanced imaging techniques for more accurate diagnosis of sinus conditions
• Immunotherapy approaches for chronic sinus issues related to allergies

These advancements may lead to more effective and personalized treatments for sinus congestion in the future, potentially offering relief to those who struggle with chronic sinus issues.

In conclusion, while OTC nasal decongestants offer effective relief for many individuals suffering from sinus congestion, it’s essential to choose the right product based on your specific symptoms and needs. By understanding the different types of decongestants available, considering factors such as potential side effects and duration of relief, and following proper usage guidelines, you can effectively manage your sinus symptoms. Remember to consult with a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen, and stay informed about emerging treatments that may offer new solutions for sinus relief in the future.

7 Best Nasal Decongestants You can Get Over the Counter

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Over-the-counter (OTC) sinus decongestants may be able to offer temporary relief from your symptoms. They have different formulas and uses, so read the labels to make the best choice.

• Best sinus decongestant for allergies: Benadryl Allergy Plus Decongestant Ultratabs
• Best OTC decongestant for a headache: Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain
• Best OTC sinus decongestant nasal spray: Afrin No Drip Severe Congestion
• Best sinus decongestant for kids: Little Remedies Decongestant Nose Drops
• Best OTC decongestant day/night duo: Sudafed PE Day and Night Sinus Pressure Tablets
• Best sinus decongestant on a budget: Cabinet Nasal Decongestant Tablets
• Best OTC decongestant for bedtime: Mucinex Night Shift Cold and Flu

If you’re having trouble breathing due to cold, flu, or allergies, sinus decongestants are designed to relieve your symptoms and help you carry on with your day.

These medications are available OTC at affordable prices, but that doesn’t always make it easy to choose one that’s best for you.

Some stronger medications target multiple symptoms, while others will simply relieve a stuffy nose caused by allergies. Some may make you drowsy, while others might make sleep difficult.

We rounded up the best OTC decongestants to help make the decision making process easier.

Having a basic understanding of common decongestant types might help you narrow down what kind of product you’re looking for:

• Decongestant ingredients work by dilating your blood vessels to relieve pressure in your sinuses.
• Antihistamine ingredients work by blocking your body’s response to allergens.
• Corticosteroid ingredients work by reducing your immune response to allergens and decreasing inflammation.

• Customer reviews: We chose products that scored high marks in trust with customers, according to hundreds of verified reviews.
• Transparency: We looked for products and brands that make realistic, medically-sound claims about their products.
• Clinical trials and peer-reviewed literature: We read through what doctors and researchers have observed about different active ingredients available on the market.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $5
• $$ = $5–$10
• $$$ = over $10

Best OTC sinus decongestant for allergies

Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion Ultratabs

• Price: $$
• Type: oral tablet
• Drowsy effect: yes

What we liked: These tablets contain diphenhydramine, an antihistamine ingredient that may reduce allergy symptoms, and phenylephrine, which may reduce sinus congestion. You can take one of these tablets every 4 hours throughout the day, and reviewers note that they take effect relatively quickly.

What to know: These tablets aren’t intended to clear the flu or a cold, so it’s important to only take them if your sinus congestion occurs due to allergies. Also, be aware that diphenhydramine can make you feel quite sleepy, so avoid this medication on days when you need to be alert.

Shop now at Amazon

Best OTC sinus decongestant for a headache

Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain

• Price: $$$
• Type: oral tablet
• Drowsy effect: no

What we liked: These coated tablets contain the decongestant ingredient phenylephrine along with the pain reliever ibuprofen. You can take a tablet up to every 4 hours. The combination of nasal swelling relief, along with the pain relief medication, can quickly relieve many sinus-related headaches. Many reviewers who have frequent sinus headaches swear by this product as being better than even some prescription medications.

What to know: Make sure to keep track of the amount of ibuprofen you’re taking if you’re taking this product. Do not take additional pain relievers, like acetaminophen or aspirin, with this product unless a doctor instructs you to. It’s easy to end up taking a dose that’s higher than recommended of analgesics when you’re mixing medications.

Shop now at Amazon

Best OTC sinus decongestant nasal spray

Afrin No Drip Severe Congestion

• Price: $$$ (twin pack)
• Type: nasal spray
• Drowsy effect: no

What we liked: Nasal sprays like Afrin can shrink swollen nasal passages by directly applying an active ingredient to your sinuses. The advantage of this can be that sprays tend to work more quickly than tablets or liquid decongestants. Afrin’s spray contains oxymetazoline hydrochloride and menthol, which relax and refresh your nasal passages pretty much right away, according to reviewers.

What to know: Afrin should only be used temporarily to relieve sinus congestion. Rebound stuffiness can occur in as little as 3 days. Using nasal sprays for a long duration can lead to side effects.

Shop now at Amazon

Best OTC sinus decongestant for kids

Little Remedies Decongestant Nose Drops

• Price: $$
• Type: nose drops
• Drowsy effect: no

What we liked: These dye-free drops contain phenylephrine in a dosage that’s safe for kids 2 and up. The dropper-dose formula can be applied 2 to 3 drops at a time directly to nasal passages, which makes for fast relief. (No waiting for tablets to kick in at bedtime). This decongestant can work for symptoms of a cold or flu, or it can be used to help manage congestion caused by allergies.

What to know: It can be difficult to get little ones to sit still and have the drops applied into their noses. You may have better luck putting the formula in a spray-mist bottle or another mist-based bottle to help apply it into their noses.

Shop now at Amazon

Best OTC decongestant day/night duo

Sudafed PE Day and Night Sinus Pressure Tablets

• Price: $$
• Type: oral tablet
• Drowsy effect: daytime formula is nondrowsy; nighttime formula has drowsy side effects

What we liked: These tablets contain phenylephrine for sinus congestion relief during the daytime and an additional antihistamine ingredient for nighttime use. These ingredients can treat environmental allergies and congestion caused by the common cold. There are 12 tablets meant for daytime use and 8 that you can take at night, which means you can take a few extra tablets during the day if you need to, but stick to one right before bedtime once you’re ready to sleep.

What to know: There’s no pain relief ingredient included in either the day or nighttime formulas of these tablets. That means that if you have a headache and treating your sinus pressure doesn’t give you relief, you might still find yourself reaching for acetaminophen at the end of the day.

Shop now at Amazon

Best OTC sinus decongestant on a budget

Cabinet Nasal Decongestant Tablets

• Price: $$$
• Type: oral tablet
• Drowsy effect: no

What we liked: This mega-size container of 225 tablets is a great solution if multiple people in your family tend to get allergies or sinus headaches. The no-frills phenylephrine formula is comparable to the dosage you’d find in a name brand but at a fraction of the cost. The formula doesn’t contain anything that will make you sleepy, and you can take a tablet every 4 hours on days when symptoms affect you.

What to know: Some customers complained that the bottle is too large to fit in their medicine cabinet, which seems like a small complaint for a product if you’ll be using it often. This particular tablet only targets sinus congestion, so it will not relieve symptoms like fever or a cough.

Shop now at Walmart

Best OTC decongestant for bedtime

Mucinex Nightshift Cold and Flu Liquid

• Price: $$$
• Type: liquid
• Drowsy effect: yes

What we liked: This liquid formula contains a pain reliever, a cough suppressant, and an antihistamine ingredient that can work together to give you a good night’s sleep when you’re sick. It does not contain any decongestant, however, so keep that in mind when taking this treatment. It’s great for bedtime because it calms coughing fits that may be keeping you up at night. Although it does not contain a decongestant, the antihistamine ingredient may also reduce nasal congestion caused by seasonal allergies.

What to know: Unlike the other decongestants on this list, this product doesn’t contain anything that loosens mucus. Some reviewers note that they really dislike the taste of this medication.

Shop now at Amazon

When you’re figuring out which decongestant to buy, you’ll need to determine what’s causing your congestion.

If it’s allergies, you’ll probably want a product that contains an antihistamine ingredient like diphenhydramine. Antihistamines target your body’s immune response to allergens like pollen. Antihistamines usually make the person taking them a bit drowsy, so keep in mind, taking them at any time other than bedtime may have you needing a nap.

If you have cold or flu symptoms, you may be looking for a product that includes phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine. These ingredients work by shrinking your blood vessels, which can help you breathe more easily and reduce the symptoms of a sinus headache or a stuffy nose.

However, both of these ingredients can cause you to feel restless and can make it difficult to fall asleep. These types of drugs can also make you nauseous. Generally, phenylephrine may have fewer serious side effects than pseudoephedrine. Always consult a doctor before taking these meds if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Some OTC sinus decongestant formulas include both antihistamines and decongestant ingredients, and some add pain relief ingredients such as ibuprofen to their formula. It’s best to treat for symptoms that you have, not for additional symptoms that you don’t have.

If you’re already taking OTC pain relief medication for, say, a sinus headache, you don’t want to add additional pain relief meds into the mix if you don’t need to.

It’s difficult to keep track of dosage when you’re mixing medications that have overlapping active ingredients, and too much of any pain reliever can lead to complications like stomach issues, rebound headaches, and kidney damage.

Treating your congestion with OTC products doesn’t always provide relief. Get professional medical care if you experience any of the following:

• persistent congestion that lasts for a week or more
• a high fever that lasts for more than 48 hours
• chest pain of any sort
• difficulty breathing

There are also home remedies that you can use to relieve discomfort and clear your congestion. Natural decongestion remedies include:

• sleeping with a humidifier in your room
• diffusing essential oils
• using saline sprays
• taking steamy showers
• using a neti pot

When should I use a nasal decongestant?

If you have mild congestion caused by cold, flu, or seasonal allergies, you may want to consider an OTC nasal decongestant. This can help clear up your nasal passages and help you breathe more easily.

You don’t have to take a decongestant as part of your at-home treatment routine. Once your infection clears away or your allergies aren’t triggered, the congestion will clear up on its own.

Can or should I take a sinus decongestant for a sinus infection?

You can take certain decongestants for a sinus infection.

Decongestants that contain only pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine are more typically recommended for a sinus infection. Decongestants with additional ingredients like antihistamines may suppress your body’s immune response and interfere with your body’s ability to clear the infection.

If you have a severe sinus infection or if you’re taking antibiotics, talk with your doctor about the best OTC medication choice for you.

Do sinus decongestants work for ear congestion?

Sinus decongestants can work to relieve pressure in the upper sinus cavities. If you have ear congestion, relieving this pressure can help manage your pain. But sinus decongestants can’t treat an underlying ear infection.

Is it safe to take sinus decongestants while pregnant?

It depends on the active ingredient. OTC pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine should only be taken during pregnancy under your doctor’s supervision. They should not be taken during the first trimester, only after, and even then, only with your doctor’s recommendation.

Talk with your doctor before taking drugs containing these ingredients if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Research in animals has shown adverse effects on the fetus when the birthing parent takes these drugs. There haven’t been enough studies with humans to be certain how the drug might affect the fetus. These drugs should only be taken if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.

Can you take sinus decongestants if you have high blood pressure?

Phenylephrine is not considered to be safe if you have high blood pressure. Sinus decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine may actually raise your blood pressure and counteract the blood pressure medication that you’re taking. If you have high blood pressure, speak with your doctor about which decongestant they recommend for you.

The best way to choose an OTC decongestant is to look at the active ingredients. A good decongestant should treat only the symptoms you have, and not any additional symptoms you don’t have.

OTC decongestants are not a solution for severe, long lasting sinus infections and chronic allergies. You may need to speak with your doctor about a long-term strategy if you find that OTC decongestants aren’t effectively managing your symptoms.

7 Best Nasal Decongestants You can Get Over the Counter

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Over-the-counter (OTC) sinus decongestants may be able to offer temporary relief from your symptoms. They have different formulas and uses, so read the labels to make the best choice.

• Best sinus decongestant for allergies: Benadryl Allergy Plus Decongestant Ultratabs
• Best OTC decongestant for a headache: Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain
• Best OTC sinus decongestant nasal spray: Afrin No Drip Severe Congestion
• Best sinus decongestant for kids: Little Remedies Decongestant Nose Drops
• Best OTC decongestant day/night duo: Sudafed PE Day and Night Sinus Pressure Tablets
• Best sinus decongestant on a budget: Cabinet Nasal Decongestant Tablets
• Best OTC decongestant for bedtime: Mucinex Night Shift Cold and Flu

If you’re having trouble breathing due to cold, flu, or allergies, sinus decongestants are designed to relieve your symptoms and help you carry on with your day.

These medications are available OTC at affordable prices, but that doesn’t always make it easy to choose one that’s best for you.

Some stronger medications target multiple symptoms, while others will simply relieve a stuffy nose caused by allergies. Some may make you drowsy, while others might make sleep difficult.

We rounded up the best OTC decongestants to help make the decision making process easier.

Having a basic understanding of common decongestant types might help you narrow down what kind of product you’re looking for:

• Decongestant ingredients work by dilating your blood vessels to relieve pressure in your sinuses.
• Antihistamine ingredients work by blocking your body’s response to allergens.
• Corticosteroid ingredients work by reducing your immune response to allergens and decreasing inflammation.

• Customer reviews: We chose products that scored high marks in trust with customers, according to hundreds of verified reviews.
• Transparency: We looked for products and brands that make realistic, medically-sound claims about their products.
• Clinical trials and peer-reviewed literature: We read through what doctors and researchers have observed about different active ingredients available on the market.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $5
• $$ = $5–$10
• $$$ = over $10

Best OTC sinus decongestant for allergies

Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion Ultratabs

• Price: $$
• Type: oral tablet
• Drowsy effect: yes

What we liked: These tablets contain diphenhydramine, an antihistamine ingredient that may reduce allergy symptoms, and phenylephrine, which may reduce sinus congestion. You can take one of these tablets every 4 hours throughout the day, and reviewers note that they take effect relatively quickly.

What to know: These tablets aren’t intended to clear the flu or a cold, so it’s important to only take them if your sinus congestion occurs due to allergies. Also, be aware that diphenhydramine can make you feel quite sleepy, so avoid this medication on days when you need to be alert.

Shop now at Amazon

Best OTC sinus decongestant for a headache

Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain

• Price: $$$
• Type: oral tablet
• Drowsy effect: no

What we liked: These coated tablets contain the decongestant ingredient phenylephrine along with the pain reliever ibuprofen. You can take a tablet up to every 4 hours. The combination of nasal swelling relief, along with the pain relief medication, can quickly relieve many sinus-related headaches. Many reviewers who have frequent sinus headaches swear by this product as being better than even some prescription medications.

What to know: Make sure to keep track of the amount of ibuprofen you’re taking if you’re taking this product. Do not take additional pain relievers, like acetaminophen or aspirin, with this product unless a doctor instructs you to. It’s easy to end up taking a dose that’s higher than recommended of analgesics when you’re mixing medications.

Shop now at Amazon

Best OTC sinus decongestant nasal spray

Afrin No Drip Severe Congestion

• Price: $$$ (twin pack)
• Type: nasal spray
• Drowsy effect: no

What we liked: Nasal sprays like Afrin can shrink swollen nasal passages by directly applying an active ingredient to your sinuses. The advantage of this can be that sprays tend to work more quickly than tablets or liquid decongestants. Afrin’s spray contains oxymetazoline hydrochloride and menthol, which relax and refresh your nasal passages pretty much right away, according to reviewers.

What to know: Afrin should only be used temporarily to relieve sinus congestion. Rebound stuffiness can occur in as little as 3 days. Using nasal sprays for a long duration can lead to side effects.

Shop now at Amazon

Best OTC sinus decongestant for kids

Little Remedies Decongestant Nose Drops

• Price: $$
• Type: nose drops
• Drowsy effect: no

What we liked: These dye-free drops contain phenylephrine in a dosage that’s safe for kids 2 and up. The dropper-dose formula can be applied 2 to 3 drops at a time directly to nasal passages, which makes for fast relief. (No waiting for tablets to kick in at bedtime). This decongestant can work for symptoms of a cold or flu, or it can be used to help manage congestion caused by allergies.

What to know: It can be difficult to get little ones to sit still and have the drops applied into their noses. You may have better luck putting the formula in a spray-mist bottle or another mist-based bottle to help apply it into their noses.

Shop now at Amazon

Best OTC decongestant day/night duo

Sudafed PE Day and Night Sinus Pressure Tablets

• Price: $$
• Type: oral tablet
• Drowsy effect: daytime formula is nondrowsy; nighttime formula has drowsy side effects

What we liked: These tablets contain phenylephrine for sinus congestion relief during the daytime and an additional antihistamine ingredient for nighttime use. These ingredients can treat environmental allergies and congestion caused by the common cold. There are 12 tablets meant for daytime use and 8 that you can take at night, which means you can take a few extra tablets during the day if you need to, but stick to one right before bedtime once you’re ready to sleep.

What to know: There’s no pain relief ingredient included in either the day or nighttime formulas of these tablets. That means that if you have a headache and treating your sinus pressure doesn’t give you relief, you might still find yourself reaching for acetaminophen at the end of the day.

Shop now at Amazon

Best OTC sinus decongestant on a budget

Cabinet Nasal Decongestant Tablets

• Price: $$$
• Type: oral tablet
• Drowsy effect: no

What we liked: This mega-size container of 225 tablets is a great solution if multiple people in your family tend to get allergies or sinus headaches. The no-frills phenylephrine formula is comparable to the dosage you’d find in a name brand but at a fraction of the cost. The formula doesn’t contain anything that will make you sleepy, and you can take a tablet every 4 hours on days when symptoms affect you.

What to know: Some customers complained that the bottle is too large to fit in their medicine cabinet, which seems like a small complaint for a product if you’ll be using it often. This particular tablet only targets sinus congestion, so it will not relieve symptoms like fever or a cough.

Shop now at Walmart

Best OTC decongestant for bedtime

Mucinex Nightshift Cold and Flu Liquid

• Price: $$$
• Type: liquid
• Drowsy effect: yes

What we liked: This liquid formula contains a pain reliever, a cough suppressant, and an antihistamine ingredient that can work together to give you a good night’s sleep when you’re sick. It does not contain any decongestant, however, so keep that in mind when taking this treatment. It’s great for bedtime because it calms coughing fits that may be keeping you up at night. Although it does not contain a decongestant, the antihistamine ingredient may also reduce nasal congestion caused by seasonal allergies.

What to know: Unlike the other decongestants on this list, this product doesn’t contain anything that loosens mucus. Some reviewers note that they really dislike the taste of this medication.

Shop now at Amazon

When you’re figuring out which decongestant to buy, you’ll need to determine what’s causing your congestion.

If it’s allergies, you’ll probably want a product that contains an antihistamine ingredient like diphenhydramine. Antihistamines target your body’s immune response to allergens like pollen. Antihistamines usually make the person taking them a bit drowsy, so keep in mind, taking them at any time other than bedtime may have you needing a nap.

If you have cold or flu symptoms, you may be looking for a product that includes phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine. These ingredients work by shrinking your blood vessels, which can help you breathe more easily and reduce the symptoms of a sinus headache or a stuffy nose.

However, both of these ingredients can cause you to feel restless and can make it difficult to fall asleep. These types of drugs can also make you nauseous. Generally, phenylephrine may have fewer serious side effects than pseudoephedrine. Always consult a doctor before taking these meds if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Some OTC sinus decongestant formulas include both antihistamines and decongestant ingredients, and some add pain relief ingredients such as ibuprofen to their formula. It’s best to treat for symptoms that you have, not for additional symptoms that you don’t have.

If you’re already taking OTC pain relief medication for, say, a sinus headache, you don’t want to add additional pain relief meds into the mix if you don’t need to.

It’s difficult to keep track of dosage when you’re mixing medications that have overlapping active ingredients, and too much of any pain reliever can lead to complications like stomach issues, rebound headaches, and kidney damage.

Treating your congestion with OTC products doesn’t always provide relief. Get professional medical care if you experience any of the following:

• persistent congestion that lasts for a week or more
• a high fever that lasts for more than 48 hours
• chest pain of any sort
• difficulty breathing

There are also home remedies that you can use to relieve discomfort and clear your congestion. Natural decongestion remedies include:

• sleeping with a humidifier in your room
• diffusing essential oils
• using saline sprays
• taking steamy showers
• using a neti pot

When should I use a nasal decongestant?

If you have mild congestion caused by cold, flu, or seasonal allergies, you may want to consider an OTC nasal decongestant. This can help clear up your nasal passages and help you breathe more easily.

You don’t have to take a decongestant as part of your at-home treatment routine. Once your infection clears away or your allergies aren’t triggered, the congestion will clear up on its own.

Can or should I take a sinus decongestant for a sinus infection?

You can take certain decongestants for a sinus infection.

Decongestants that contain only pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine are more typically recommended for a sinus infection. Decongestants with additional ingredients like antihistamines may suppress your body’s immune response and interfere with your body’s ability to clear the infection.

If you have a severe sinus infection or if you’re taking antibiotics, talk with your doctor about the best OTC medication choice for you.

Do sinus decongestants work for ear congestion?

Sinus decongestants can work to relieve pressure in the upper sinus cavities. If you have ear congestion, relieving this pressure can help manage your pain. But sinus decongestants can’t treat an underlying ear infection.

Is it safe to take sinus decongestants while pregnant?

It depends on the active ingredient. OTC pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine should only be taken during pregnancy under your doctor’s supervision. They should not be taken during the first trimester, only after, and even then, only with your doctor’s recommendation.

Talk with your doctor before taking drugs containing these ingredients if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Research in animals has shown adverse effects on the fetus when the birthing parent takes these drugs. There haven’t been enough studies with humans to be certain how the drug might affect the fetus. These drugs should only be taken if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.

Can you take sinus decongestants if you have high blood pressure?

Phenylephrine is not considered to be safe if you have high blood pressure. Sinus decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine may actually raise your blood pressure and counteract the blood pressure medication that you’re taking.