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Extended Use of Topical Nasal Decongestants
Author(s) -
Yoo John K.,
Seikaly Hadi,
Calhoun Karen H.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-199701000-00010
Subject(s) - nasal decongestant , oxymetazoline , decongestant , medicine , rhinomanometry , anesthesia , sinusitis , evening , adverse effect , pseudoephedrine , nose , surgery , ephedrine , adrenergic receptor , physics , receptor , antihistamine , astronomy
Abstract Use of sympathomimetic topical nasal decongestants to treat nasal obstruction is usually restricted to 3 to 5 days to avoid potential rebound swelling (rhinitis medicamentosa). In this study, 10 healthy volunteers used oxymetazoline (long‐acting topical nasal decongestant) nightly for 4 weeks. Subjects who used antihistamines, oral or topical decongestants, or systemic steroids or who had active sinusitis were excluded from the study. Weekly history, physical examination, and anterior rhinomanometry revealed no adverse effects. Eight (80%) subjects developed nightly nasal obstruction a few hours before the evening dose; the obstruction resolved within 48 hours if no more decongestant was used. All subjects remained responsive to oxymetazoline 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the study began. This finding suggests that long‐acting decongestants may be safely used for longer than the recommended 3 to 5 days without adverse effects if used once nightly.