Can Decongestants Work with Other Drugs

Extra care must be taken before using decongestants especially if you are taking other medications. As a rule of thumb during consultations, always tell your doctor what other drugs and supplements both prescription and over-the-counter you are taking. The following medications can worsen the effects of decongestants:

• Antifungal and antibiotic medications
• Blood pressure or heart medications like guanethidine, methyldopa, beta-blockers, and rauwolfia.
• Antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants or TCA, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors ((MAOIs such as Parnate and Nardil), in general
• Anti-Parkinson agents, such as bromocriptine mesylate
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like as indomethacin for arthritis
• Blood pressure or heart medications, such as beta-blockers
• Hypoglycemic agents or insulin, used for elevated blood glucose and diabetes
• Caffeine products such as tea, coffee, or colas
• Antipsychotic drugs in general
• Theophylline for respiratory problems
• Alkalinizers or urinary acidifiers taken for bladder problems

This long list of possible conflicts of decongestants with other drugs should remind you to always check with your doctor first before taking them. While decongestants are highly effective in the treatment of nasal allergies and nasal issues, it can pose a serious threat if you are not careful enough to check its compatibility with other drugs.