Decongestants

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A decongestant is a broad class of medications used to relieve nasal congestion. Generally, they work by reducing swelling (medical) of the mucous membranes in the nose passages.

Mechanism Most decongestants cause response from adrenoreceptor a1, chiefly responsible for vasoconstriction (a2 modulates adrenaline/noradrenaline levels, b1 is the most stimulant and increases cardiac output, b2 bronchodilation, and b3 induces lipolysis). The effects are not limited to the nose and these medicines can increase hypertension (blood pressure) through vasoconstriction, but most decongestants are not pronounced stimulants due to lack of response from the other adrenoreceptors.

These are normally paired with antihistamines to lessen this effect, but they don't always even each other out.

Administration These agents are usually administered topically (by the intranasal route) or orally.

Examples The most common oral decongestants are pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine; phenylpropanolamine is another, although it's no longer available in the US. Oxymetazoline and phenylephrine are a commonly available topical decongestants (nasal sprays).

See also

nasal congestion (includes non-pharmacological remedies)
topical decongestant
Adrenoreceptor
Cough medicine#Expectorants

Decongestant - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Most decongestants cause response from adrenoreceptor a 1, chiefly responsible for vasoconstriction (a 2 modulates adrenaline / noradrenaline levels, b 1 is the most stimulating and increases ...

Cold, common Treatment - Health encyclopaedia - NHS Direct
Decongestants. This type of medicine can be taken by mouth (oral decongestants) or used as a spray in your nose (nasal decongestants). They work by reducing the swelling in the ...

Decongestants | BENADRYL®
decongestants ... Decongestants. Decongestants are an effective way to relieve a stuffy nose, a common symptom of hay fever as well as allergies to dust and pets.

Decongestants : phenylpropanolamine versus d-pseudoephedrinene
Comparative oral and topical decongestant effects of phenylpropanolamine and d-pseudoephedrinene by Erickson CH, McLeod RL, Mingo GG, Egan RW, Pedersen OF, Hey JA.

Clinical topic - Sinusitis
What are the adverse effects of intranasal decongestants? ... Scenario: Acute sinusitis: covers the management of acute sinusitis in adults and ...

Decongestants - Hutchinson encyclopedia article about Decongestants
Pediatric acetaminophen formulations, such as Tylenol or drugstore brands, or decongestants for children, also may be helpful for youngsters who are very prone to pain, though the ...

Decongestants: OTC Relief for Congestion -- familydoctor.org
Information about over-the-counter decongestants, from the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Topical Nasal Decongestants
Topical Nasal Decongestants - The nasal mucosa is sensitive to changes in atmospheric temperature and humidity and these alone may cause slight nasal congestion. The nose and nasal ...

Nasal Decongestants
Nasal Decongestants by Primary Care Pharmacy. Your local internet based pharmacy catering for NHS and private prescriptions, as well as the sale of medicines and other pharmacy ...

Catarrh Treatment - Health encyclopaedia - NHS Direct
Decongestants that are taken by mouth may take a little longer to work, but their effect can last longer than nasal sprays. However, you should not use decongestants for more than 5 ...