Topical nasal decongestants

Inhalation of warm moist air is useful in the treatment of symptoms of acute infective conditions.

Sympathomimetics are likely to cause rebound congestion and are of limited value. They are available from pharmacies over the counter at a cost less than a prescription charge. They should be used for short periods of time only (usually not longer than 7 days). The CHM/MHRA advise that these medicines should not be used in children under 6 years of age.

Ephredrine nasal drops are the safest sympathomimetic preparation. Xylometazoline, altough more potent, is more likely to cause rebound congestion.

Sodium chloride 0.9% nasal drops may relieve nasal congestion by helping to liquify mucous secretions.

Orally administered nasal decongestants may not be as effective as preparations for local application but they do not give rise to rebound nasal congestion on withdrawal.

Caution: diabetes, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, raised intraocular pressure, prostate hypertrophy, hepatic impairment, renal impairment and ischaemic heart disease and avoid in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).