| Type | Examples | How it works | Duration | Best for | |------|----------|--------------|----------|-----------| | | Ocean, Simply Saline | Moistens & thins mucus | As needed | All types, safe for frequent use | | Oxymetazoline spray | Afrin, Zicam | Shrinks blood vessels → rapid relief | Max 3 days | Severe temporary blockage (e.g., flying, sleeping) | | Oral decongestants | Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)* | Systemic vasoconstriction | 1–3 days | Head congestion, sinus pressure | | Antihistamines | Cetirizine, loratadine | Blocks histamine (allergy-related) | As needed | Allergic congestion + sneezing/itchy eyes | | Mucolytics | Guaifenesin (Mucinex) | Thins mucus | Up to 7 days | Thick, stubborn mucus in chest & nose |