Oral Decongestant and Antihistamine Combinations Contributions by ColleenO

Possible side effects of the oral decongestant/antihistamine combinations include:

• Drowsiness
• Cough
• Increase in blood pressure
• Headache
• Nervousness, difficulty sleeping
• Nausea
• Rapid heart rate

Decongestants help to narrow the blood vessels, which results in a clearing of nasal congestion. Antihistamines help stop or reduce the production of histamine, a chemical that is released when the immune system reacts to an allergen.

Decongestants and antihistamines complement each other well in allergic rhinitis treatment and are combined in some prescription medicines, including:

• Fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D)
• Acrivastine and pseudoephedrine (Semprex-D)
• Azatadine and pseudoephedrine (Trinalin)

Decongestants help to narrow the blood vessels, which results in a clearing of nasal congestion. Antihistamines help stop or reduce the production of histamine, a chemical that is released when the immune system reacts to an allergen.