How should patients use decongestants safely?

The safest way for patients to use decongestants is to avoid them in individuals with hypertension. Decongestants work by constricting blood vessels to reduce nasal swelling and congestion. However, this vasoconstriction can increase blood pressure, which poses a significant risk for patients with existing hypertension or heart conditions. It is important for patients with high blood pressure to use alternative treatments for their congestion that do not pose these cardiovascular risks.

Long-term use of decongestants can lead to rebound congestion, making symptoms worse instead of better, which underscores the need for cautious use rather than continuous long-term use. Using decongestants only before bed does not mitigate the risk for those with hypertension and may not adequately address daytime symptoms. Additionally, combining decongestants with alcohol is not advisable, as both substances can have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and cause increased sedation, which poses risks, particularly in populations that may be sensitive to these effects.