Drugs used to relieve nasal congestion. Decongestants are widely available in many forms to treat a congested (stuffy) nose typical of colds and allergies. Decongestants relieve only a stuffy nose and are not effective against other symptoms of colds or allergies. Decongestants cannot cure colds.
Medications utilized to alleviate nasal congestion are commonly administered to individuals with upper respiratory tract infections. These drugs are believed to operate by constricting the blood vessels within the nasal lining membranes. This action effectively reduces swelling, inflammation, and excessive mucus production in the nasal passages. Decongestants commonly employed include ephedrine, oxymetazoline, and phenylephrine. Small amounts of these medications can be found in numerous over-the-counter cold remedies.
There is limited empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of decongestants in relieving respiratory disorders. When taken orally, they can potentially cause tremors and palpitations. Moreover, prolonged use of decongestants for more than five days leads to diminished efficacy, and discontinuing them at this stage may result in worsening symptoms compared to the initial stage of treatment. Therefore, it is advised not to use decongestants continuously for more than five days without seeking medical advice. Decongestants may not be suitable for individuals with specific medical conditions and should be avoided by those taking MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors).