Seasonal Allergies: Decongestants

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Tuesday, 26 February 2008

Decongestants

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), naphazoline (4-Way Fast-Acting Nasal Spray), and oxymetazoline (Afrin Nasal Spray) are examples of decongestants.

How decongestants work: These drugs decrease nasal congestion by causing blood vessel constriction (narrowing) and reduced blood flow to the nasal passage.
Who should not use these medications: These medications should not be used in those who are allergic to them. They may cause unwanted side effects in individuals with the following conditions:
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Poorly controlled high blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease (hardening of the arteries)
Use: Use nasal sprays as directed for temporary relief only (no longer than 3-5 days). Prolonged use can cause worsening congestion.
Drug or food interactions:
- Avoid within 2 weeks of taking MAOIs (for example, isocarboxazid [Marplan], pargyline [Eutonyl], procarbazine [Matulane], and tranylcypromine [Parnate]).
- Use caution with herbal drug preparations that also increase blood pressure, such as ephedra (Ma Huang).
- Illicit drugs (such as cocaine) may also cause increased blood pressure.

Side effects: Do not use decongestant nasal sprays for more than 3-5 days. Use beyond 3-5 days causes swelling in the nasal passages and aggravates allergic symptoms. Oral decongestants may increase blood pressure, cause or aggravate existing heart rhythm abnormalities, and/or cause wakefulness and difficulty falling asleep.

VitaDocs Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth

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Authors and Editors

Author: Mary L Windle, Pharm D, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine.com, Inc.

Editors: Richard F Lockey, MD, Joy McCann Culverhouse Chair of Allergy and Immunology, Director, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Public Health, University of South Florida College of Medicine and the James A Haley Veterans' Hospital; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; Stephen C Dreskin, MD, PhD, Director of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Practice, Professor of Medicine, Departments of Internal Medicine and Immunology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.