Nasal Decongestants

Nasal decongestants are an effective, easy treatment for nasal congestion

Nasal congestion can be caused by many different factors such as allergies, colds, and sinusitis. No matter what causes it, congestion is an unpleasant feeling that can be relieved with the use of nasal decongestants. Amcal’s wide range of nasal decongestants will help alleviate these symptoms.

What nasal decongestants do:

A decongestant is a type of medication that helps clear up congestion. Dilated blood vessels in the nasal and airway membranes are what cause congestion in the nose, sinuses, and chest. Decongestants work by narrowing those blood vessels, decreasing swelling and inflammation. This allows more air to flow through, as well as mucus to drain. As a result, it helps to relieve nasal symptoms caused by:

• Hay fever
• Common colds
• Allergies
• Sinusitis
• Allergic rhinitis
• Sinus infections

Treatments available for nasal congestion

Oral decongestants

Phenylephrine

One of the most common active ingredients in decongestants, phenylephrine is used in many safe and effective over-the-counter (OTC) medicines designed to relieve sinus congestion. You can buy combination products, such as Nurofen Cold and Flu PE, which also contains ibuprofen or products like Sudafed Pe Sinus Day and Night Relief and Amcal’s Nasal Decongestant PE which only contain Phenylephrine. All these products will help provide relief associated with nasal congestion.

Pseudoephedrine

Another powerful type of decongestant is pseudoephedrine. Unlike Phenylephrine, Pseudoephedrine is not available in Australia over-the-counter as it can be misused to make illegal and highly addictive substances. It is only available, in limited quantities, from behind the pharmacy counter and by showing a photo ID.

Intranasal decongestants

Intranasal decongestants work locally and can provide quick relief from nasal congestion. Common intranasal decongestant ingredients include are oxymetazoline and xylometazoline, which can be found in products such as Vicks Sinex Extra Fresh Nasal Spray and Otrivin Nasal Spray.

Intranasal corticosteroids

Intranasal corticosteroids fight inflammation in the nasal passages and help reduce sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose. Rhinocort Hayfever and Allergy and Beconase nasal spray are corticosteroid sprays available over the counter.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines can help with nasal congestion caused by allergies. These are available in tablets, sprays, and liquids, with products suitable for adults and children available, such Claratyne Hayfever & Allergy Relief Antihistamine tablets, Zyrtec syrup, and Azep nasal spray

Saline sprays

Nasal rinses

Breathe easier

Amcal’s wide range of nasal decongestants help clear nasal passages and eliminate a stuffy nose, getting you quickly on the path to breathing easier and feeling better.

Fast Acting

When you’re sick, all you want is to feel better, fast. The brands we stock are designed to give you short-term relief from nasal congestion, to allow you to get on with your day.

Reducing Nasal Congestion

In addition to the use of decongestants, other effective ways to help reduce nasal congestion are to drink lots of water, use a vaporiser and breathe in steam from a bowl of warm water or while in the shower.

The difference between decongestants sprays and tablets

Decongestant nasal sprays and oral decongestants offer two different ways to administer medicine. While adults are often happy with either method, for children it’s a bit trickier. Some don’t like sprays and others can’t yet swallow tablets (or they aren’t suitable for them at their age), so chewable tablets or syrup might be the only options.

Best decongestants for adults

There are many options for adults when it comes to nasal congestion. Sprays, tablets, inhalants, nasal drops, and nasal washes such as NeilMed Neti Pot are all great options. Ultimately the method you prefer is a personal choice based on your comfort level and what works best.

Best decongestants for children

When shopping for a decongestant for kids, parents need to balance safety with effectiveness, as well as consider if your child is able to swallow a tablet or use a spray properly. The best decongestant for a child will often be limited by these factors, so talk to your Amcal pharmacist to help decide on the best course of action. Amcal also has a large range of alternative children’s cough, cold, and flu treatments available.

Best decongestants for babies

As babies breathe through their noses for the first couple of months, it is extremely important that they aren’t congested. The use of vaporisers can be a gentle way of relieving congestion in babies, as well as a saline (saltwater) spray like Fess Little Noses Spray. View Amcal range of baby products for all your medical and baby care needs.

 Things to consider before taking a decongestant

• Pre-existing medical conditions (such as hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders, glaucoma, or heart, kidney, or prostate problems).
• Use of other medicines, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s) that should not be taken with a decongestant.
• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or administering medication to a child, carefully check the product description to see if the product is safe for use.
• Weigh up the side effects to determine which product is right for you. If you have any questions or concerns, consult with a healthcare professional.

Brands we know and trust

At Amcal, our customers are important to us and we take care of this responsibility by providing safe and effective products. You can trust the brands we stock because you can trust us.

Benefits of nasal sprays

• Helps keep the inside of your nose moist and healthy.
• Rinses out allergens and irritants to keep your nasal immunity strong (therefore helping prevent other bacteria and viruses from entering).
• Easy to use.

Purchasing your products at Amcal

Amcal offers a wide variety of convenient ways of purchasing our products. By purchasing online, in-store, or with click & collect, we make feeling better easy.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) about Nasal Decongestants:

What is the best option for nasal congestion?

When choosing a nasal decongestant, your symptoms, preferred brand, and method of application (spray or tablets), will help guide your decision. No matter what has caused your symptoms (allergies, cold or flu, or sinus infection), you can count on Amcal’s large range of over-the-counter medicines to help you and your family feel better.

What are examples of decongestants?

Amcal’s extensive range of decongestants has been selected as safe and reliable products to alleviate your symptoms.

Where can I purchase different types of decongestants online? 

Amcal stocks the most trusted brands in Australia and offers a wide selection of decongestants to suit you and your family’s needs. Shop online with us today or find your local store here.

What is a nasal decongestant?

A nasal decongestant is a medicine that eases nasal congestion caused by a variety of different ailments. It works by shrinking blood vessels in the nasal passages that cause the nose to feel blocked and runny. View a large range of decongestants, cough, cold, and flu treatments here.