Topical decongestants are
decongestants applied directly to the
nasal cavity
The nasal cavity is a large, air-filled space above and behind the nose in the middle of the face. The nasal septum divides the cavity into two cavities, also known as fossae. Each cavity is the continuation of one of the two nostrils. The nas ...
. Their effectiveness by themselves in the
common cold
The common cold, or the cold, is a virus, viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract that primarily affects the Respiratory epithelium, respiratory mucosa of the human nose, nose, throat, Paranasal sinuses, sinuses, and larynx. ...
appears to have a small benefit in adults.
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.
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Mechanism of action
Topical decongestants are vasoconstrictor
Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of the blood vessels resulting from contraction of the muscular wall of the vessels, in particular the large arteries and small arterioles. The process is the opposite of vasodilation, the widening of blood vesse ...
s, and work by constricting the blood vessels within the nasal cavity.
Examples
* Ephedrine
Ephedrine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and sympathomimetic agent that is often used to prevent hypotension, low blood pressure during anesthesia. It has also been used for asthma, narcolepsy, and obesity but is not the preferred ...
* Levmetamfetamine
* Naphazoline
* Oxymetazoline
* Phenylephrine
Phenylephrine, sold under the brand names Neosynephrine and Sudafed PE among others, is a medication used as a decongestant for uncomplicated nasal congestion in the form of a nasal spray or oral tablet, to dilate the pupil, to increase bloo ...
* Propylhexedrine
* Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine, sold under the brand name Sudafed among others, is a sympathomimetic medication which is used as a decongestant to treat nasal congestion. It has also been used off-label for certain other indications, like treatment of lo ...
* Tramazoline
* Xylometazoline
See also
* Decongestant
* Nasal irrigation
* Nasal spray
Nasal sprays are used to deliver medications Route of administration#Local, locally in the nasal cavities or systemic administration, systemically. They are used locally for conditions such as nasal congestion and allergic rhinitis. In some sit ...
References
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