How will decongestants interact with other kinds of drugs?
Before taking any new medication, let your doctor know what other drugs and supplements - both prescription and over-the-counter medications - you take.
The following medications can make decongestant side effects worse:
- antibiotics and antifungal medications
- antidepressants such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs such as Parnate and Nardil) and tricyclic antidepressants or TCAs, in general
- blood pressure or heart medications, such as beta-blockers, guanethidine, methyldopa, and rauwolfia
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin for arthritis
Nasal decongestants can alter the effects of the following types of medications:
- anti-Parkinson agents, such as bromocriptine mesylate
- blood pressure or heart medications, such as beta-blockers
- caffeine products such as coffee, tea, or colas
- insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, used for elevated blood glucose and diabetes
- antipsychotic drugs in general
- theophylline taken for respiratory problems
- urinary acidifiers or alkalinizers taken for bladder problems