Over-the-Counter Drugs
These drugs don’t need a prescription and they can help manage your symptoms;
Decongestants
These drugs are used to reduce the swelling in your nasal passages and reduce the stiffness and sinus pressure. They appear as nasal sprays such as naphazoline (privine), oxymetazoline afrin, Dristan, nostrilla, Vicks sinus nasal spray or phenylephrine (neo-synephrine, sinex, rhinal). They also appear as pills such as phenylephrine (Sudafed PE and others) and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).
It is important to follow the instructions for using them. Do not use a decongestant you take through the mouth for more than a week without visiting a doctor. You should not use a decongestant nasal spray for more than 3 days or it could exacerbate your congestion.
Decongestants have the ability to increase blood pressure, so it is vital to seek advice from your doctor if you have any health issues or use other drugs. Never administer over-the counter cold drugs to children younger than age 4.