My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Cold, Flu, & Cough Health Center

Cold Guide

Email a Friend

Print Article

Cold, Flu, & Cough Health Center

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Decongestants and Antihistamines for the Common Cold

(continued)

What Are the Side Effects of Decongestants and Antihistamines?

Antihistamines used to relieve cold symptoms usually cause drowsiness. For this reason, they are typically found only in nighttime cold medicines. Other common side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, and headache.

Decongestants may keep you awake and are usually taken during the day. Nasal spray decongestants are less likely to keep you awake and may be helpful at night for congestion. But remember, you should not take them for more than three days as you may have an increase in congestion once you stop them if you use them longer.

Decongestants can also increase blood pressure, so people with high blood pressure or heart disease should check with their doctor before using them. There are decongestant-free cold medicines available if you have high blood pressure.

What Are Some Common Decongestants and Antihistamines for Colds?

There are many over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines that can help treat cold symptoms such as runny noses, sneezing, and congestion. These symptom-relieving drugs are available separately and in combinations with other cold and pain drugs. If you choose a combination cold medicine, be sure you know everything that is in it. Check to see if it contains acetaminophen. If so, follow the directions on the label very carefully and do not take Tylenol or any other acetaminophen along with it. This could cause an overdose and serious liver damage can occur.

The following over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestant drugs are taken for relief of both cold and allergy symptoms.

Type of Decongestant or Antihistamine Cold Medicine	Brand Name(s)	Symptoms Treated	Possible Side Effects
Antihistamine (tablets, caplets, or liquid)	Benadryl Chlor-Trimeton Dimetane Tavist	Itchy, runny nose and eyes; sneezing; itchy throat	Drowsiness or grogginess, upset stomach, dry mouth, impaired coordination and judgment, urinary retention, loss of appetite, excitability (in children)
Decongestant (tablets or caplets)	Sudafed	Congestion and pressure in head, nose, and ears	Lightheadedness, wakefulness, nervousness, restlessness (jittery and shaky), increased blood pressure and heart rate; irregular heart beat
Antihistamine/ decongestant (tablets, caplets, or liquid)	Actifed Chlor-Trimeton D Dimetapp Drixoral Tavist D	Itchy, runny nose and eyes; sneezing; congestion	Possible antihistamine and/or decongestant side effects
Antihistamine/ decongestant/ pain reliever (tablets, caplets, or liquid)	Advil Cold and Sinus Comtrex Day/Night	Itchy, runny nose and eyes; sneezing; congestion; headache	Possible antihistamine and/or decongestant side effects
Decongestant nose spray	Afrin Neo-Synephrine Dristan Nasal Spray	Nasal stuffiness	Might lead to "rebound" congestion from dependence on the medicine if used for more than 3 days
Antihistamine eye drops	Visine-A (Formerly OcuHist)	Itchy, watery eyes; eye redness	Temporary stinging in the eyes or blurred vision; "rebound" redness of the eyes if overused