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

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Deckx, L; De Sutter, AI; Guo, L; Mir, NA; van Driel, ML (17 October 2016). "Nasal decongestants in monotherapy for the common cold". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 10: CD009612. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009612.pub2. PMC 6461189. PMID 27748955.


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