Decongestants

Decongestants can be used for short periods for an acute infective rhinitis or to prevent barotrauma when flying. They should not be used long-term because they rapidly cause a rebound congestion which can become chronic, 'rhinitis medicamentosa'. Warn patients about the rebound phenomenon and that they can sometimes have a dramatic effect on the blood pressure, bringing on for example angina.

Decongestants include: Nose drops such as: - Ephedrine 0.5% (paed) - useful for helping babies feed - Ephedrine 1% - for older children and adults - Xylometazoline (paed & adult strengths) which last longer Over-the-counter preparations such as Sinex spray Tablets such as: - Pseudoephedrine tablets and Over-the-counter Rx such as Mucron (phenylpropanolomine)