Topical decongestant
Encyclopedia
Topical decongestants are decongestant
s applied directly to the nasal cavity
. By applying them directly to the site of action, topical decongestants relieve nasal congestion
while reducing the side effects associated with systemically-acting decongestants, such as high blood pressure. Topical decongestants should only be used by patients for a maximum of 3 days in a row, because rebound congestion may occur in the form of rhinitis medicamentosa
. Topical decongestants are a common form of nasal relief, due to their quick effects which can clear the sinus in as little as ten seconds.
Decongestant
A decongestant or nasal decongestant is a type of drug that is used to relieve nasal congestion.-Pharmacology:The vast majority of decongestants act via enhancing norepinephrine and epinephrine or adrenergic activity by stimulating the α-adrenergic receptors...
s applied directly to the nasal cavity
Nasal cavity
The nasal cavity is a large air filled space above and behind the nose in the middle of the face.- Function :The nasal cavity conditions the air to be received by the other areas of the respiratory tract...
. By applying them directly to the site of action, topical decongestants relieve nasal congestion
Nasal congestion
Nasal congestion is the blockage of the nasal passages usually due to membranes lining the nose becoming swollen from inflamed blood vessels. It is also known as nasal blockage, nasal obstruction, blocked nose, stuffy nose, or stuffed up nose.Nasal congestion has many causes and can range from a...
while reducing the side effects associated with systemically-acting decongestants, such as high blood pressure. Topical decongestants should only be used by patients for a maximum of 3 days in a row, because rebound congestion may occur in the form of rhinitis medicamentosa
Rhinitis medicamentosa
Rhinitis medicamentosa is a condition of rebound nasal congestion brought on by extended use of topical decongestants that work by constricting blood vessels in the lining of the nose.-Presentation:This condition typically occurs after 5 to 7 days of use of such medications...
. Topical decongestants are a common form of nasal relief, due to their quick effects which can clear the sinus in as little as ten seconds.
Mechanism of action
Topical decongestants are vasoconstrictors, and work by constricting the blood vessels within the nasal cavity.Examples of topical decongestants
- EphedrineEphedrineEphedrine is a sympathomimetic amine commonly used as a stimulant, appetite suppressant, concentration aid, decongestant, and to treat hypotension associated with anaesthesia....
- Levomethamphetamine
- NaphazolineNaphazolineNaphazoline is the common name for 2--2-imidazoline hydrochloride. It is a sympathomimetic agent with marked alpha adrenergic activity. It is a vasoconstrictor with a rapid action in reducing swelling when applied to mucous membrane...
- OxymetazolineOxymetazolineOxymetazoline is a selective alpha-1 agonist and partial alpha-2 agonist topical decongestant, used in the form of Oxymetazoline hydrochloride, in products such as Afrin, Dristan, Nasivin, Logicin, Vicks Sinex, Visine L.R., Sudafed OM, and Zicam. It was developed from Xylometazoline at E.Merck...
- PhenylephrinePhenylephrinePhenylephrine is a selective α1-adrenergic receptor agonist used primarily as a decongestant, as an agent to dilate the pupil, and to increase blood pressure...
- PseudoephedrinePseudoephedrinePseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug of the phenethylamine and amphetamine chemical classes. It is used as a nasal/sinus decongestant and stimulant, or as a wakefulness-promoting agent....
- TramazolineTramazolineTramazoline is a chemical that is used in the form of tramazoline hydrochloride in nasal decongestant preparations. It causes hypertension.- Product names :Australia* Spray-Tish * RhinasprayAustria* RhinorixBelgium* RhinosprayCzech Republic...
- XylometazolineXylometazolineXylometazoline is a drug which is used as a topical nasal decongestant. It is applied directly into the nose, either as a spray or as drops....
See also
- DecongestantDecongestantA decongestant or nasal decongestant is a type of drug that is used to relieve nasal congestion.-Pharmacology:The vast majority of decongestants act via enhancing norepinephrine and epinephrine or adrenergic activity by stimulating the α-adrenergic receptors...
- Nasal irrigationNasal irrigationNasal irrigation or nasal lavage or nose douche is the personal hygiene practice in which the nasal cavity is washed to flush out excess mucus and debris from the nose and sinuses. The practice is well-tolerated and beneficial with only minor side effects...
- Nasal sprayNasal sprayNasal sprays come in a variety of forms. Medicated such as Astelin, Afrin and Nasonex and natural such as Sinusoothe and Sterimar. Although delivery methods vary, most nasal sprays function by instilling a fine mist into the nostril by action of a hand-operated pump mechanism.-Antihistamine nasal...
- Rhinitis medicamentosaRhinitis medicamentosaRhinitis medicamentosa is a condition of rebound nasal congestion brought on by extended use of topical decongestants that work by constricting blood vessels in the lining of the nose.-Presentation:This condition typically occurs after 5 to 7 days of use of such medications...
(rebound congestion) - TopicalTopicalIn medicine, a topical medication is applied to body surfaces such as the skin or mucous membranes such as the vagina, anus, throat, eyes and ears.Many topical medications are epicutaneous, meaning that they are applied directly to the skin...