Topical decongestants: myth and reality

Abstract

Nasal breathing plays an important role in the respiratory function, which ensures that a person consumes appropriate levels of air. Nasal obstruction causes a person to consume air mainly through the mouth, which impairs the numerous functions of the nose. This leads first to functional abnormalities, and then to morphological and structural changes. Topical decongestants that have the strongest and fastest effect are the most popular drugs to manage rapidly nasal obstruction. The main nasal decongestants can be divided into two groups: sympathomimetic amines: primary aliphatic, phenolic and non-phenolic compounds, as well as imidazoline derivatives. Among modern vasoconstrictive drugs, Otrivin® complex showed good results. The drug contains xylometazoline and ipratropium bromide. Application of this drug strictly according to the instructions and for no more than 15 days guarantees the absence of severe local and systemic complications.

Keywords

• rhinitis
• nasal congestion
• decongestants
• otrivin® complex