Topical decongestant

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.

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. When used in adults for a short period of time side effects appear to be few.

Mechanism of action
Topical decongestants are vasoconstrictors, and work by constricting the blood vessels within the nasal cavity.

Examples

 * Ephedrine
 * Levomethamphetamine
 * Naphazoline
 * Oxymetazoline
 * Phenylephrine
 * Propylhexedrine
 * Pseudoephedrine
 * Tramazoline
 * Xylometazoline