Decongestant

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

1 Mechanism
2 Administration
3 Examples
4 See also

[edit] Mechanism

Most decongestants cause response from adrenoreceptor a₁, chiefly responsible for vasoconstriction (a₂ modulates adrenaline/noradrenaline levels, b₁ is the most stimulating and increases cardiac output, b₂ dilates the bronchial walls, 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 the combination of both classes of drugs do not necessarily cancel the side effects of each other.^{[citation needed]}

Topical nasal or ophthalmic decongestants quickly develop tachyphylaxis. Long-term use is not recommended since these agents lose effectiveness after a few days.

[edit] Administration

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

[edit] Examples

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

[edit] See also

Nasal congestion (includes non-pharmacological remedies)
Topical decongestant
Adrenoreceptor
Expectorant

v • d • e Major drug groups

Gastrointestinal tract (A)	Antacids • Antiemetics • H₂ antagonists • Proton pump inhibitors • Laxatives • Antidiarrhoeals

Blood and blood forming organs (B)	Anticoagulants • Antihemorrhagics • Antiplatelets • Thrombolytics

Cardiovascular system (C)	Antiarrhythmics • Antihypertensives • Diuretics • Vasodilators • Antianginals • Beta blockers • Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors • Antihyperlipidemics

Skin (D)	Emollients - Antipruritics

Reproductive system (G)	Hormonal contraception • Fertility agents • Selective estrogen receptor modulators • Sex hormones

Endocrine system (H)	Anti-diabetics • Corticosteroids • Sex hormones • Thyroid hormones

Infections and infestations (J, P)	Antibiotics • Antivirals • Vaccines • Antifungals • Antiparasitic (Antiprotozoals, Anthelmintics)

Malignant and immune disease (L)	Anticancer agents • Immunostimulators • Immunosuppressants

Muscles, bones, and joints (M)	Anabolic steroids • Anti-inflammatories • Antirheumatics • Corticosteroids • Muscle relaxants

Brain and nervous system (N)	Anesthetics • Analgesics • Anticonvulsants • Mood stabilizers • Anxiolytics • Antipsychotics • Antidepressants • Nervous system stimulants • Sedatives

Respiratory system (R)	Bronchodilators • Decongestants • H₁ antagonists

v • d • e Decongestants and other nasal preparations (R01)

Topical: sympathomimetics, plain	Cyclopentamine - Ephedrine - Phenylephrine - Oxymetazoline - Tetryzoline - Xylometazoline - Naphazoline - Tramazoline - Metizoline - Tuaminoheptane - Fenoxazoline - Tymazoline - Epinephrine

Topical: antiallergic agents, excluding corticosteroids	Cromoglicic acid - Levocabastine - Azelastine - Antazoline - Spaglumic acid - Thonzylamine - Nedocromil - Olopatadine

Topical: corticosteroids	Beclometasone - Prednisolone - Dexamethasone - Flunisolide - Budesonide - Betamethasone - Tixocortol - Fluticasone - Mometasone furoate - Triamcinolone - Ciclesonide

Topical: other nasal preparations	Calcium hexamine thiocyanate - Retinol - Ipratropium bromide - Ritiometan - Mupirocin - Hexamidine - Framycetin

Systemic use: Sympathomimetics	Phenylpropanolamine - Pseudoephedrine - Phenylephrine