Drugs & Medication

Topical decongestants are decongestants 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.

Mechanism of action

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

Examples of topical decongestants

• Ephedrine
• Oxymetazoline
  Phenylephrine
  Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride
  Tramazoline
  Xylometazoline
  =

See also

• Decongestant