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What Causes Persistent Ear Congestion Despite Taking Medication?
Posted on
Sat, 31 Dec 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 31 Dec 2016
Answered on
Tue, 17 Jan 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi I a taking Sudafed - three dosages of 60 mgs each for a total of180 mgs. It seems to be plugging up my ears and not opening them. I have been on Sudafed decongestant for past three days . Is there a rebound effect of Sudafed?
Brief Answer:
not very likely
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
sudafed is a decongestant so the expected effect is congestion relief. If it does not work as expected then there is no reason to take it. The rebound effect usually occurs with nasal preparations. The 'usual' dose becomes less effective and it has to be taken earlier and earlier for the same effect to occur. This usually happens after a week or so of continuous usage. The oral preparations are less likely to cause it.
Perhaps your doctor can prescribe local corticosteroids if there is excessive inflammation and help with the plugging.
Kind Regards!
not very likely
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
sudafed is a decongestant so the expected effect is congestion relief. If it does not work as expected then there is no reason to take it. The rebound effect usually occurs with nasal preparations. The 'usual' dose becomes less effective and it has to be taken earlier and earlier for the same effect to occur. This usually happens after a week or so of continuous usage. The oral preparations are less likely to cause it.
Perhaps your doctor can prescribe local corticosteroids if there is excessive inflammation and help with the plugging.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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