Alternatives to Sudafed?

BootsOrHearts · April 2014

I have what I suspect to be a sinus infection and it's causing dizziness and nausea. I've had this happen before and sudafed clears it right up but I know that can impact milk supply so I don't want to take it. I have a call into my doctor but wondering if anyone else has run into a similar problem and is there a kind of decongestant you can take that doesn't impact supply?

mommatotwo2 · April 2014

Not a decongestant but I've found simply saline or ocean nasal flush to be tremendously helpful. Also regular Motrin helps reduce the pressure too. Feel better!

vvvvvfee · April 2014

agree with PP to take advil or motrin for the inflammation and do a sinus rinse if you have the supplies. you can use a 2X hypertonic solution (2 packets) to flush out your nose if you're really stuffed. you can also take mucinex (expectorant) to help clear it out. i think nasal decongestant sprays are okay too because they're localized (kellymom has a good reference page on cold medicine)

Myaflowers · April 2014

I've been taking Mucinex (plain Mucinex, not Mucinex-D) for sinus congestion. It's not as good as Sudafed, but it thins out mucous and seems to help. I also use a nasal steroid (prescription) daily for nasal allergies. I've used Afrin on occasion for a stuffy nose. Like PP said, you're not supposed to use it for more than a few days in a row.

DahliaFlower · April 2014

Maybe try a nasal spray like Afrin. It has similar effect as Sudafed without the systemic effect on milk supply. Just be careful b/c you can become dependent on it if you overuse!