Frequently Asked Questions
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SUDAFED® medicines help relieve congestion by reducing swelling of the blood vessels inside the nose.
They work by:
Reducing swelling in the nasal passages
Allowing the nasal passages to return to normal size
Helping airflow improve and mucus drain more easily
Making it easier to breathe through your nose
Pseudoephedrine – a decongestant which narrows blood vessels to reduce swelling and congestion, helping to ease a blocked nose.
Phenylephrine – a decongestant which can help clear a stuffy nose by decreasing swelling in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe through your nose.
Xylometazoline – a decongestant used to help relieve nasal and sinus congestion caused by colds or flu. It works by contracting swollen blood vessels, reducing the feeling of stuffiness and congestion.
Some SUDAFED® products also contain ingredients that help relieve other cold and flu symptoms:
Guaifenesin – Helps thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up
Ibuprofen – An anti-inflammatory and painkiller that helps relieve headaches and reduce inflammation
Paracetamol – A pain reliever and antipyretic which helps to relieve pain and fever
Caffeine – A stimulant that can help reduce tiredness
Always read the label and do not take more than one decongestant at the same time. If you are unsure, speak to a pharmacist.
Nasal decongestants are designed for short-term use to help relieve congestion.
Recent guidance from the MHRA recommends that nasal sprays containing xylometazoline should be used for no more than five consecutive days.
This helps:
Ensure the product is used as intended for short-term relief
Reduce the risk of side effects linked to prolonged or repeated use
Encourage seeking medical advice if symptoms do not improve
SUDAFED® nasal sprays containing xylometazoline are intended for short-term use only and prolonged use may lead to worsening nasal congestion.
If your symptoms persist, worsen or do not improve after five days, you should stop using the product and speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice.
You can buy cough and cold medicines from pharmacies or supermarkets- where a pharmacist can advise you on the best medicine to help relieve your symptoms.
You can relieve a blocked nose with decongestant sprays or tablets- see the SUDAFED® Blocked nose range.
You can ease aches with painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, see the SUDAFED capsules which contain a painkiller as well as decongestant such as Sudafed Congestion & Headache Relief Max Strength Capsules
It can vary but you should begin to feel better in about a week or two. See your GP if your symptoms don’t improve after 3 weeks.
A condition in which the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed. Acute sinusitis can be triggered by a cold or allergies and may resolve on its own. Chronic sinusitis last for more than twelve weeks or continue to recur.
Symptoms include facial pain, infected nasal discharge and congestion. SUDAFED® Sinus Rangecan help relieve the symptoms of sinusitis.
It is not actually result of too much mucus in the nasal passages. A blocked nose is caused by inflamed blood vessels in the sinuses, which is usually triggered by a cold, the flu, allergies or sinus infection.
There are various different decongestant medicines available to buy over the counter. Below are some common active ingredients and how they work.
Pseudoephedrine – works by narrowing the blood vessels to decrease swelling and congestion
Phenylephrine – works by decreasing swelling in the nose and ears, thereby lessening discomfort and making it easier to breathe
Xylometazoline –Helps clear blocked nose and sinuses caused by having a cold or flu. It works by contracting swollen blood vessels, reducing the feeling of stuffiness and congestion.
SUDAFED® Blocked Nose Spray (Xylometazoline). SUDAFED® Congestion & Headache Relief Max Strength Capsules. SUDAFED® Sinus Pain Relief Tablets. SUDAFED® Congestion Relief Nasal Spray (Xylometazoline). Always read the label before taking any medication.
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