Drugs Blog

Type of Drug:

Nasal decongestants.

How the Drug Works:

Nasal decongestants shrink swollen and congested nasal tissues (mucous membranes) by constricting blood vessels. This should relieve congestion (stuffy feeling), promote drainage of mucus, and improve breathing. Local application (eg, nasal drops, sprays) causes moro into use and rapid nasal de congestion than oral drugs (eg, tablets, sylph). Only drugs generally last longer, cause less local irritation, and are not associated with round nasal congestions (rhinitis mrdicamentose).

Uses:

For temporary relief of nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever,

and other upper respiratory allergies, and sinusitis.

To treat eustachian tube congestion (plugged ears). To promote nasal or sinus drainage.

To relieve ear pressure and pain in air travel.

Sodium chloride: To restore moisture to nasal tissue, thin nasal secretions, and relieve dry, crusted, and inflamed nasal membranes due to colds, low humidity, nasal decongestant overuse, allergies, nosebleeds, sinus infection, and other irritations.

Precautions:

Excessive use: Excessive use of topical decongestants may cause side effects (eg, nervousness, dizziness, sleeplessness) that are more likely in infants and in the elderly. Long-term high-dose therapy may be habit forming (eg, rebound congestion).

Hypertension (high blood pressure): Use these products only with medical advice. You may experience a change in blood pressure because of the increased narrowing of the blood vessels.

Phenylketonuria patients: Some of these drugs contains phenylalanine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Rebound congestion: Rebound congestion (rhinitis medicaments) may occur following several days of regular topical application. Rebound , which is worse than the original symptoms, occurs when the drug wears off Increasing the amount of drug or frequency of use only worsens rebound congestion and increases the risks of medication toxicity.Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if congestion continues to return when the drug effect wears off.

Sulfite sensitivity: Some of these products contain sulfites, which may cause allergic-type reactions (eg, rash, hives, itching, wheezing) in certain susceptible persons. Although the overall prevalence of sensitivity in the general population is probably low, it is seen more frequently in asthmatics or in a topic non asthmatic persons.

Treatment for rebound congestion: A simple but uncomfortable solution is to completely withdraw the topical medication. A more acceptable method is to gradually withdraw therapy by discontinuing the medication in one nostril, followed by total withdrawal. Substituting an oral decongestant for a topical one also may be useful.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor before taking an oral decongestant while breastfeeding. It is not known if topical decongestants appear in breast milk. Use caution when administering to a nursing woman.

Children: Dosage restrictions may vary according to product instructions; refer to individual product information for dosage and administration.

Elderly: Patients 60 years of age and older are more likely to experience side effects. Over dosage may cause hallucinations, convulsions, depression, and death.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over­the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with nasal decongestants. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with nasal decongestants:

• Furazolidone (Furoxone)
• Guanethidine (lsmelin)
• MAOls (eg, phenelzine)
• Methyldopa (eg, Aldomet)
• Rauwolfia alkaloids (eg, reser pine)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many nasal decongestant users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, individual susceptibility, and method of administration. Side effects are more likely to occur with oral nasal decongestants. Oral agents, however, cause less local irritation and are not associated with rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa). Possible side effects include:

Topical Use: Burning; stinging; sneezing; dryness; local irritation; rebound congestion; nasal discharge; weakness.

Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; appetite loss; indigestion.

Nervous System: Anxiety; restlessness; tremor; CNS depressions; weakness tenseness; headache; dizziness; drowsinoss; sleeplessness lightheadedness; nervousness.

Circulatory System: Irregular heartbeat; changes in blood pressure; palpitations (pounding in the chest).

Other: Sweating; pale skin; chest pain; eye sensitivity to light; painful or difficult urination; rash; hives.

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.
• Do not change the dose or stop taking, unless directed by your doctor.
• Patients with high blood pressure or other cardiovascular diseases, thyroid disease, glaucoma, diabetes mellitus, or enlarged prostate should use these products only with medical advice .
• To prevent pressure pain in air travel or other situations where there is a rapid change in altitude, nose drops and nasal sprays act quickly. Talk oral dosage 10rms 1 to 2 hours prior to a major altitude change.
• Side effects are most likely in the elderly and children. Excessive us( (misuse) increases risk for side effects.
• Stop using and contact your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or vomiting.
• Oral _ If symptoms do not improve within 7 days or are accompanied by a high fever, consult your doctor before continuing use. Do not exceed recommended dosage. Higher doses may cause nervousness, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or sleeplessness. If these occur, stop use and contact your doctor. Do not split, dissolve, crush, or chew extended-release preparations.
• Topical _ Use only as needed. Avoid excessive use. Stop using and contact your doctor if you experience sleeplessness, dizziness, weakness, tremor, or irregular heartbeat. Do not exceed recommended dos age and do not use longer than 3 days, unless directed by your doctor. Stinging or burning sensations or drying of the nose may occur. This often disappears after a jaw applications. If rebound congestion Occurs from excessive doses and frequent use, withdraw the topical drug gradually. Stop using the medication in one nostril, then both nostril:. An oral decongestant may be used instead. Notify your doctor if Symptoms persist.
• Nasal spray - Hold head upright, insert nozzle into nostril, spray quickly and firmly and sniff deeply while blocking off other nostril. Wipe nozzle clean after use.
• Nasal drops _ Recline on a bed and hang your head over the edge Instill nose drops. Remain in this position for several minutes after using the drops, turning your head from side to side while gently “sniffing” and squeezing the nostrils.
• Use of the same container 01 nasal spray or drops by more than 1 person may spread infection. Do not allow the tip of the container or drop per to touch the nasal passage. Store as directed on package labeling.

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