Anyone with these conditions should not use oral or nasal decongestants without a doctor's guidance. Other people who should not use decongestants without first consulting a doctor include:
- Pregnant women.
- Children. The American College of Chest Physicians advises against the use of over-the-counter decongestants and other cold medications in children ages 14 years or younger. Children are at particular risk for side effects that depress the central nervous system. Such symptoms cause changes in blood pressure, drowsiness, deep sleep, and, rarely, coma.
Decongestants and Phenylpropanolamine (PPA)In 2000, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took action to ban oral decongestants containing phenylpropanolamine (PPA) from the U.S. market. This action was in response to reports of an increased risk of stroke in young women who took products containing this ingredient. All major brands that previously contained PPA have now substituted other active ingredients (usually pseudoephedrine) and are safe to use. Anyone with old forms of decongestant should check the labels and discard them if they contain phenylpropanolamine. |
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