DECONGESTANTS• Nasal decongestants are agents that constrict dilated blood vessels in the nasal mucosa

by stimulating alpha 1-adrenergic nerve receptors in vascular smooth muscle (blood vessels)

 Nasal decongestants are administered either topically, by inhalation, or orally. Topically used
decongestants are effective rapidly.
 A common problem in the use of these agents is rebound nasal congestion.
 Excessive use causes local ischemia and irritation of the nasal mucosa that may lead to extensive
secondary vasodilation and congestion. Rebound congestion is the return of excessive tissue fluid
occurring as a result of using nasal decongestions for time periods or dosages beyond the those
recommended by the manufacturer.
 Although topical administration of decongestants results in only minimal absorption of drug through
the nasal mucosa, adverse systemic effects, such as elevation of blood pressure and CNS stimulation,
may occur if the decongestant solution drains through the nasal passage and is swallowed by the
client.
 Some decongestants drugs are administered by inhalation using specially designed inhalers. Such
inhalers are generally plastic containers containing an inert fibrous material impregnated with a
volatile decongestant drug.
 Oral decongestants also act by constricting blood vessels in the nasal mucosa. They generally have a
longer duration of action than the topical agents, but tend to have less constrictive effect. Oral
decongestants may affect vascular beds other than those found in the nasal mucosa.
 It is important to realize that antihistamines and decongestants exert only a palliative effect on
symptoms of the common cold and allergic rhinitis and are not curative. Symptomatic treatment of
nasal congestion is useful, however, it relieves discomfort and prevents blowing of the nose, which
may further irritate the nasal mucosa.