Doctors warn about this common cold remedy that could land you in the ER

“Oh, it’s just a cold!” A runny nose here, a sore throat there, and a quick stop at the pharmacy for something to help us breathe again. But what if the very medicine you count on for relief could send you straight to the emergency room?

The cold season comes every year, and many of us rely on familiar over-the-counter remedies to get through it. Yet doctors are sounding the alarm on one of the most widely used cold fixes—one that may do more harm than good, especially for older adults or anyone managing multiple prescriptions.

As harmless as it may seem, that small pill or spray in your medicine cabinet could pose serious risks if taken the wrong way or even combined with something else.

The hidden danger behind popular decongestants​

When you’re battling a cold, it’s only natural to want relief—fast. Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine promise to shrink those swollen nasal passages, letting you breathe easier and (hopefully) get some much-needed sleep. They’re everywhere: in pills, syrups, and those little bottles of nasal spray that seem to multiply in people’s medicine cabinets.

But Dr. Matthew Zuckerman, an ER physician and associate professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz, warns that these medications are a double-edged sword. Every year, people end up in the hospital because of misuse of decongestants, and the risk is even higher for older adults, folks with chronic health conditions, and anyone taking multiple medications.

How they work—and why they can cause problems​

Decongestants work by constricting blood vessels in your nose, reducing swelling and drainage. Sounds great, right? But those same effects can ripple through the rest of your body, raising blood pressure, speeding up your heart rate, and even triggering anxiety or insomnia. For people with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or glaucoma, or those on certain antidepressants or stimulants, this can be a recipe for disaster.

And let’s not forget the sneaky way these drugs can hide in “multi-symptom” cold remedies. It’s all too easy to accidentally double up on decongestants—or mix them with other medications like acetaminophen, risking an accidental overdose.

Also read: ER doctors warn: Five everyday habits that could land you in the hospital

The biggest mistakes that send people to the ER​

1. Misuse: Taking more than the recommended dose, using nasal sprays for more than three days, or “stacking” multiple cold products with the same active ingredient. Labels can be confusing, and it’s easy to lose track, especially when you’re feeling foggy from a cold.

2. Drug Interactions: Decongestants can clash with medications for high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, depression, ADHD, and more. The effects are severe headaches, chest pain, dangerously high blood pressure, or irregular heart rhythms.

And here’s a twist: using nasal decongestant sprays for more than three days can actually make your congestion worse, a phenomenon called “rebound congestion.” You might find yourself in a vicious cycle, reaching for more spray as your symptoms spiral.

When to get emergency help​

It’s crucial to know when a cold remedy has crossed the line from helpful to harmful. Dr. Zuckerman urges you to call 911 or head to the ER if you experience:

• Chest pain, chest pressure, or a pounding or irregular heartbeat
  
• Very high blood pressure readings or a fast heart rate that won't slow down
  
• Severe headache, confusion, vision changes, or fainting
  
• Shortness of breath, severe anxiety or agitation, or tremors
  
• Inability to urinate
  
• Signs of severe allergic reaction, including swelling of lips and tongue, trouble breathing, or widespread hives

Also read: These everyday spices could help kill viruses and beat colds, experts claim

Safer ways to ease congestion without the risk​

The good news? You don’t have to suffer through your cold or risk a trip to the ER. There are plenty of safer, doctor-approved ways to ease your symptoms:

Saline Nasal Sprays or Irrigation: These rinse out mucus and allergens, and are safe for frequent use.

Humidified Air and Steam: A humidifier or a steamy shower can help thin mucus and soothe irritated nasal passages.

Nasal Strips: These handy strips physically open your nostrils, making it easier to breathe without any medication.

Fluids, Fluids, Fluids: Staying hydrated helps thin mucus and keeps your throat comfortable.

Second-Generation Antihistamines: If your congestion is allergy-related, medications like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) can help—without the drowsiness of older antihistamines.

Intranasal Steroid Sprays: For allergy-driven congestion, sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) can reduce inflammation safely when used as directed.

A word of caution for older adults​

It's best to talk to your doctor to ensure you're taking medications that are safe and effective based on your personal health needs. The goal is to get you on the mend as soon as possible, not make things worse.

While over-the-counter medications don't require a prescription, that doesn't mean they're appropriate for everyone. This is especially true if you have ongoing health conditions or take multiple medications.

Don't hesitate to call your healthcare provider if you're unsure about any medication, even if it seems like a simple cold remedy. A quick phone call could prevent a trip to the emergency room.

Read next:

• New study warns popular sleep aid may significantly increase risk of heart failure
• A hidden crisis emerges: Why seniors are becoming unexpected victims of America's deadliest drug combinations
• Common painkillers could be making antibiotics less effective, scientists warn

Key Takeaways

• ER doctor Dr. Matthew Zuckerman warns that misuse of common cold decongestants—such as taking too much, using nasal sprays for more than three days, or “stacking” products—regularly sends people to the hospital each year.
• Decongestants can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, worsen anxiety or insomnia, and interact dangerously with medications for conditions like high blood pressure, heart problems, glaucoma, depression, and ADHD.
• Using decongestants incorrectly, including overuse or in combination with other cold products, increases the risk of severe side effects such as chest pain, severe headache, confusion, vision changes, and even life-threatening allergic reactions—prompting the need for urgent medical attention.
• Dr. Zuckerman suggests alternatives like saline nasal sprays, humidified air/steam, nasal strips, and second-generation antihistamines for safer cold symptom relief, but stresses the importance of consulting your doctor before starting any medication.

Have you ever had a bad reaction to a cold medicine? Do you have a tried-and-true home remedy that helps you get through the sniffles? Or maybe you have questions about which over-the-counter products are safest for you?