How Do Analgesic Decongestant Expectorant Combos Work?

Analgesic/decongestant/expectorant combos are over-the-counter medicines used for relieving:

• Sinus headaches
• Sinus or nasal congestion
• Headaches
• Minor aches
• Pains

Analgesics block the pain signal generation and generation of prostaglandins from the central nervous system released during fever, inflammation, or pain. Thus, blocking the generation of prostaglandins helps in reducing pain, inflammation, or fever.

Decongestants work in the following ways:

• Relieve irritation of upper respiratory tract infection
• Reduce swelling of the inner lining of the nose
• Relieve nasal congestion
• Shrink blood vessels in the nasal passage to relieve nasal congestion

Expectorants help thin the mucus and loosen the congestion in the chest and throat, making it easier to cough up the mucus.

Analgesic/decongestant/expectorant combos are over-the-counter medicines used for relieving:

• Sinus headaches
• Sinus or nasal congestion
• Headaches
• Minor aches
• Pains

Analgesic/decongestant/expectorant combos can cause the following side effects:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Excitability
• Headache
• Restlessness
• Tremors
• Skin rash
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Arrhythmia
• Palpitations
• Convulsions
• Weakness
• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Irregular heart rate

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of analgesic/decongestant/expectorant combos include:

• Acetaminophen/phenylephrine/guaifenesin
• Acetaminophen/pseudoephedrine/guaifenesin
• Mucinex Fast-Max Cold & Sinus
• Sudafed PE Triple Action
• Sudafed Triple Action
• Theraflu Warming Relief Cold & Chest Congestion
• Tylenol Sinus Congestion & Pain Severe
• Tylenol Sinus Severe Congestion Daytime