Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
Is it ok to take cold medicine just for the decongestant effects?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
Yes, but...: ...You never want to take more medication than you need. The other ingredients will likely not be harmful, but cough suppressants and antihistamines can make you tired and slow your reflexes, and the pain relievers can hurt your liver if you're also taking other pain relievers that will add to your total dose. Decongestants alone are also available from your pharmacist without a prescription.
Answered 5/3/2013
5.7k views
Thank
Related Questions
A member asked:
My friend has a head cold and chest congestion. He has g6pd. What OTC decongestants are safe for him to take?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
I took Vicks Dayquil severe cold and flu (has decongestant) less than two hours ago, is it safe for me to take two Benadryl (diphenhydramine) now before I go to bed?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
I take carbamazepine XR for epilepsy. What nasal decongestants may I take (home remedies/OTC)? Cold s/sx prevent me from sleeping. Thanks.
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
I took 2 NyQuil right before bed and after laying in bed I feel like my stuffy nose is getting worse. I hAve some DayQuil sever cold and flu with nasal decongestant, can I take one or two of those now to help break up the mucus a little or is that too mu
4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
People also searched for:
My 2 year old has a stuffy runny nose. Is it safe for her to take children's cold medicine with decongestant now that she is over two years?
I am taking cold medicine with a decongestant and my BP was about 10 pts higher than normal. I that ok?
I take 50mg of vyvanse in the morning. Is it okay for me to take a decongestant at night time for a cold?
Can I take a nasal decongestant and NyQuil cold and flu together?
I've had a cold for a week, its getting better but now my ear hurts? Can't take decongestant due to heart issues. What to do?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HIPAASecure
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHOAccredited
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
