Nasal congestion, sympathomimetics

Decongestants such as OTC pseudoephedrine are sympathomimetic agents that constrict capacitance vessels in the nasal turbinates.17 Decongestants effectively reduce nasal congestion and to some extent rhinorrhea associated with AR.8,12 The recommended dose of pseudoephedrine is 30 to 60 mg every 4 to 6 hours for a maximum daily dose of 240 mg.15 Systemic adverse effects such as irritability, dizziness, headache, tremor, tachycardia, and insomnia can occur. Additionally, use is associated with increased blood pressure and intraocular pressure and urinary obstruction.8,12... 

Topical and systemic decongestants are sympathomimetic agents that act on adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucosa to produce vasoconstriction, shrink swollen mucosa, and improve ventilation. Decongestants work well in combination with antihistamines when nasal congestion is part of the clinical picture. 

Mechanism of Action A direct-acting sympathomimetic amine that acts on alpha-adrenergic receptors in arterioles of the nasal mucosa to produce constriction. Therapeutic Effect Causes vasoconstriction resulting in decreased blood flow and decreased nasal congestion. 

MecHanism of Action A sympathomimetic that directly stimulates alpha-adrenergic and beta-adrenergic receptors. Therapeutic Effect Produces vasoconstriction of respiratory tract mucosa shrinks nasal mucous membranes reduces edema and nasal congestion. 

Mechanism of Action A sympathomimetic that directly acts on alpha-adrenergic receptors in arterioles of the nasal mucosa to produce vasoconstriction resulting in decreased blood flow. Therapeutic Effect Decreased nasal congestion. Pharmacokinetics Onset of acf ion occurs wif hin 5-10 minuf es for a duration of action of 5-6 hours. Well absorbed fhrough nasal mucosa. May also be systemically absorbed from bofh nasal mucosa and gasfroinfesfinal (GI) fracf. Half-life Unknown. 

It is a directly acting sympathomimetic amine used in symptomatic relief in nasal congestion which increases mucosal secretion. 

Pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine [( )-norephedrine] are sympathomimetic agents with actions similar to those of ephedrine and are most commonly used for the relief of nasal congestion (363). Pseudoephedrine has been stated to have less pressor activity and central nervous system effects than ephedrine. 

Methoxyphenamine is a sympathomimetic drug that has been used as a bronchodilator (1) and to treat nasal congestion. It has been claimed to be relatively free of cardio-stimulant and psychomotor effects, but there is httle published evidence suggesting marked beta-adrenoceptor selectivity, and the normal oral dose of 50-100 mg can in a minority of cases produce tightness of the chest and palpitation. Drowsiness, mouth dryness, nausea, and faintness have been anecdotally reported. 

Trade names Ectasule Efedron Ephedsol Marax Pretz-D Rynatuss (MedPointe) Vicks Vatronol (Procter Gamble) Indications Nasal congestion, acute hypotensive states, asthma Category Adrenergic alpha-receptor agonist Sympathomimetic Half-life 3-6 hours... 

Indications Nasal congestion, glaucoma, hypotension Category Adrenergic alpha-receptor agonist Sympathomimetic Half-life 2.5 hours... 

Some oral products combine antihistamines with sympathomimetic decongestants and are marketed for nasal congestion associated with hayfever and the common cold. 

Drops and sprays containing sympathomimetic decongestants are used to relieve nasal congestion associated with hayfever, and may be useful to begin treatment when the nose is badly blocked. 

Ephedrine, a sympathomimetic amine, is used to correct hypotensive states (25 to 50 mg IM or SC), to treat orthostatic hypotension (25 mg p.o. once daily to q.i.d.), and as a bronchodilator or nasal congestant (see also Table 24). 

Ephedrine (25 to 50 mg p.o. t.i.d.) is indicated in the treatment of allergic disorders such as bronchial asthma nasal congestion in acute coryza vasomotor rhinitis, acute sinusitis, and hay fever. Ephedrine (25 to 30 mg slowly SC, IM, or IV) has been used to relieve acute bronchospasm, but epinephrine is more effective. Ephedrine is also used in shock. It is a naturally occurring sympathomimetic agent that stimulates alpha and beta receptors and CNS. It is less potent than epinephrine but has a longer duration of action (see also Figure 37). 

Naphazoline, a sympathomimetic agent with decongestant properties, is used in nasal congestion and in ocular congestion, irritation, and itching. 

It is a directly acting sympathomimetic drug which is mostly used as a local vasoconstrictor for the relief of nasal congestion due to allergic or infectious manifestations. It is also employed as an ophthalmic solution for the relief of ocular congestion and blepharospasm. 

The clinic nurse is discussing over-the-counter (OTC) oxymetazoline (Afrin 12 Hour Nasal Spray), a sympathomimetic, with a client experiencing nasal congestion. 

Sedating antihistamines are used to treat rhinorrhoea, exploiting the antimuscarinic side-effect of the drying-up of nasal secretions. They are usually co-formulated with sympathomimetics to counteract the congestion and the sedation that they tend to cause. 

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