HOW OUR PRODUCTS WORK

Caring For Your Sinuses

HOW OUR PRODUCTS WORK

HOW A DECONGESTANT WORKS ON SINUS PRESSURE AND CONGESTION

All products from the makers of SUDAFED® contain a nasal decongestant, either pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, or oxymetazoline. These medicines act on the nasal passages to narrow blood vessels that are causing nasal congestion. When the blood vessels in the nose and sinus region narrow, tissue shrinks to allow the normal flow of air and mucus. 

Decongestants act on the nasal passages to narrow blood vessels in the nose and sinus region that cause congestion. Tissue shrinks to allow the normal flow of air and mucus.

PSEUDOEPHEDRINE

This nasal decongestant is found in the original formula of SUDAFED®, now found at the pharmacy or service counter. To better insure that medications containing pseudoephedrine are not used to illegally make methamphetamine, all products containing this ingredient are federally regulated. For more information, see Pseudoephedrine Regulations. 

Pseudoephedrine is found in the original formula of SUDAFED®, now found at the pharmacy or service counter. All products containing this ingredient are federally regulated.

PHENYLEPHRINE (PE)

This nasal decongestant is found in SUDAFED PE® products and can be found in the cold and allergy aisle. 

Phenylephrine (PE) is found in SUDAFED PE® products and can be found in the cold and allergy aisle.

OXYMETAZOLINE (OM)

This nasal decongestant is topical and used in nasal sprays. Oxymetazoline is the active ingredient in SUDAFED OM® Sinus Congestion nasal spray. It is sprayed directly into the nose and works quickly to relieve nasal congestion. 

Oxymetazoline (OM) is topical and used in nasal sprays. Oxymetazoline is the active ingredient in SUDAFED OM® Sinus Congestion nasal spray.

OTHER ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

  • Acetaminophen – Analgesic (pain-reliever): helps to relieve pain and headaches, and reduce fever 
    • Acetaminophen – Analgesic (pain reliever): helps to relieve pain and headaches and reduce fever
  • Chlorpheniramine maleate – Antihistamine: relieves the upper-respiratory allergy symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and itchy nose and throat  
    • Chlorpheniramine maleate – Antihistamine: relieves the upper-respiratory allergy symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and itchy nose and throat
  • Dextromethorphan – Antitussive (cough suppressant): relieves coughs caused by the common cold 
    • Antitussive (cough suppressant): relieves coughs caused by minor throat and bronchial irritation
  • Diphenhydramine – Antihistamine: relieves the upper-respiratory allergy symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and itchy nose and throat  
    • Diphenhydramine – Antihistamine: relieves the upper-respiratory allergy symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and itchy nose and throat
  • Guaifenesin – Expectorant: helps loosen mucus and thins bronchial secretions to rid the bronchial passageways of bothersome mucus and make coughs more productive  
    • Guaifenesin – Expectorant: helps loosen mucus and thins bronchial secretions to rid the bronchial passageways and make coughs more productive
  • Naproxen sodium – Analgesic (pain-reliever): helps to relieve pain and headaches, and reduce fever 
    • Naproxen sodium – Analgesic (pain reliever): helps to relieve pain and headaches, and reduce fever