What types of OTC decongestants are available?
Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are medicines you can buy without a prescription from your doctor. The only OTC decongestants available in pill form are pseudoephedrine (two brand names: Contac Non-Drowsy, Sudafed) and phenylephrine (one brand name: Sudafed PE). In some states, you may have to talk to a pharmacist before buying medicines that contain pseudoephedrine, but you will not need a prescription from your doctor. Decongestant nose sprays and drops are also available over-the-counter. However, these products shouldn’t be used for more than 3 days because your body can become dependent on them. This will cause your nose to feel even more stuffed up when you quit using them.
