NHS issues warning over common medication used by millions in winter

The NHS has issued a warning to Brits over medicine used by millions of people in the winter months.

As temperatures drop and bugs spread, it is quite common to feel a little run down while your body fights off the odd cold and, occasionally, something a little more serious.

But one common medicine taken by millions of Brits to help battle feeling rather groggy in the autumn and winter freeze comes with a warning, the health service has explained.

We're talking about decongestants.

They're an incredibly common form of medicine that you can buy over the counter. There's no need for a prescription.

Usually in a nasal spray or a tablet, they help clear your sinuses and that annoying stuffy nose that has made the simple act of breathing really annoying. Providing instant relief to some, they have widespread use due to how effective and cheap they can be in helping you with the niggling health problems.

Hay fever sufferers will also know what I'm on about, as well as people who suffer from minor allergic reactions. The sprays a godsend when having a particularly bad flare up.

Nasal sprays are a common way to administer a decongestant (Getty Stock Images)

But given they aren't prescribed by a doctor, using a decongestant comes with a warning, the NHS explains.

And that's because many people don't read the paperwork that comes in the box you buy the medicine in.

"They should not be used by the following groups of people without getting advice from a pharmacist or GP first," the NHS explains.

Issuing a list of list who should not take decongestants, the NHS warns against consuming them if you are taking over medicines; have diabetes; have high blood pressure (hypertension); have an overactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism); have an enlarged prostate; have liver, kidney, heart or circulation problems; or have increased pressure in the eye glaucoma.

On top of that, you should not be using them on children under the age of six and for kids aged six to 11, usage should be for no more than five days in a row before consulting a pharmacist or doctor.

Decongestants can be vital in helping you when you feel run down and bunged up (Getty Stock Images)

For those who are pregnant, only take them 'if told to by a healthcare professional', the NHS recommends.

And for mums, the NHS says: "Decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow are not recommended if you're breastfeeding."

If in doubt, read the small print, especially since some products may just contain decongestant medicine, but others are sold as 'all-in-one' remedies that contain decongestants, painkillers or antihistamines.

They come in tablet form too (Getty Stock Images)

Side effects of decongestants

Decongestant medicines do not usually have side effects, and any side effects you may experience are usually mild.

Possible side effects can include feeling sleepy (look for non-drowsy medicines); irritation of the lining of your nose; and headaches.

Other things you could experience are feeling or being sick; a dry mouth; feeling restless or agitated; and getting a rash.

The NHS says: "Ask a pharmacist or GP before taking decongestants if you're taking other medicines.

"Decongestants can increase or decrease the effect of some other medicines."