Topical decongestant

Topical decongestants are decongestants applied directly to the nasal cavity. Their effectiveness by themselves in the common cold appears to have a small benefit in adults.^[1]

Topical decongestants should only be used by patients for a maximum of 5–7 days in a row, because rebound congestion may occur in the form of rhinitis medicamentosa. When used in adults for a short period of time side effects appear to be few.^[1]

Mechanism of action

Topical decongestants are vasoconstrictors, and work by constricting the blood vessels within the nasal cavity.

Examples

• Ephedrine
• Levmetamfetamine
• Naphazoline
• Oxymetazoline
• Phenylephrine
• Propylhexedrine
• Pseudoephedrine
• Tramazoline
• Xylometazoline

See also

• Decongestant
• Nasal irrigation
• Nasal spray