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What Causes Persistent Ear Congestion Despite Taking Medication?

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Posted on Tue, 17 Jan 2017
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?
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Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)
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!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3816 Questions

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What Causes Persistent Ear Congestion Despite Taking Medication?

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!