Decongestant Nose Drops

• If applying pressure fails, insert a gauze wet with decongestant nose drops (or petroleum jelly).  (Reason: the gauze helps to apply pressure and the nose drops shrink the blood vessels) Then repeat the process of gently squeezing the lower nose for 10 minutes.
  • Decongestant nose drops (e.g., phenylephrine/Neo-Synephrine) are available over-the-counter.
  • Do not take this medication if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or prostate enlargement.
  • Do not use this medication for more than 3 days (Reason: excessive decongestant use can rebound nasal congestion).
  • Read and follow the package instructions carefully.