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After an FDA advisory committee said the decongestant phenylephrine, an ingredient found in many oral cold and flu medications, is ineffective, experts weigh in on alternatives.
A decongestant, or nasal decongestant, is a type of pharmaceutical drug that is used to relieve nasal congestion in the upper respiratory tract. The active ingredient in most decongestants is either pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine (the latter of which has disputed effectiveness ).
Decongestant nasal sprays are advised for short-term use only, preferably 5 to 7 days at maximum. Some doctors advise to use them 3 days at maximum. A recent clinical trial has shown that a corticosteroid nasal spray may be useful in reversing this condition. [3] Topical nasal decongestants include: Oxymetazoline; Phenylephrine; Xylometazoline
These include for adults: antihistamines, antihistamine-decongestant combinations, benzonatate, anti asthmatic-expectorant-mucolytic combinations, expectorant-bronchodilator combinations, leukotriene inhibitors, ambroxol, and guaifenesin, sometimes with analgesics, antipyretics, anti inflammatories, and anticholinergics; and for children ...
Pseudoephedrine is the most common oral decongestant alternative, but since it has potential for abuse, you’ll likely need to ask a pharmacist for help accessing it behind the counter.
Topical decongestants are decongestants applied directly to the nasal cavity. Their effectiveness by themselves in the common cold appears to have a small benefit in adults. [1] Topical decongestants should only be used by patients for a maximum of 5–7 days in a row, because rebound congestion may occur in the form of rhinitis medicamentosa ...
Phenylpropanolamine (PPA), sold under many brand names, is a sympathomimetic agent which is used as a decongestant and appetite suppressant. [9] [1] [10] [11] It was previously commonly used in prescription and over-the-counter cough and cold preparations.
Propylhexedrine, sold under the brand name Benzedrex among others, is a nasal decongestant of the alkylamine family and related to the arylalkylamines. [1] Its main indications are relief of congestion due to colds, allergies, and allergic rhinitis. [2]