DECONGESTANTS

Decongestants are the drugs that reduce congestion of nasal passages, which in turn open clogged nasal passages and enhances drainages of the sinuses.

e.g phenylephrine, oxymetazoline etc.

Mechanism of Action

Mucus membrane decongestants are a₁ agonists, which produce localized vasoconstriction on the small blood vessels of the nasal membrane. Reduce congestion in nasal passages.

Clinical uses:

Used in congestion associated with rhinitis, hay fever, allergic rhinitis and to a lesser extent common cold.

Drugs can be administered nasally or orally for longer duration of action.

Classification:

1. Short acting decongestants administered topically – phenylepherne, phenylpropanolamine
2. Long acting decongestants administered orally – ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, naphazoline
3. Long acting topical decongestants
   1. Xylometazoline
   2. oxymetazoline

Side effects:

1. Rebound nasal congestion
2. Ischemic changes in mucus membranes
3. Nasal burning, stinging, dryness
4. Tachycardia, arrhythmia, nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, blurred vision

Contraindications

1. Hypertension, severe coronary artery disease