Decongestant

A decongestant is a broad class of medications used to relieve nasal congestion. Generally, they work by reducing swelling of the mucous membranes in the nasal passages.

Most decongestants cause response from adrenoreceptor a₁, chiefly responsible for vasoconstriction (a₂ modulates adrenaline/noradrenaline levels, b₁ is the most stimulating and increases cardiac output, b₂ dilates the bronchial walls, and b₃ induces lipolysis). The effects are not limited to the nose and these medicines can increase hypertension (blood pressure) through vasoconstriction, but most decongestants are not pronounced stimulants due to lack of response from the other adrenoreceptors.

These are normally paired with antihistamines to lessen this effect, but they don't always even each other out.

These agents are usually administered topically (by the intranasal route) or orally.

The most common oral decongestants are pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine; phenylpropanolamine (PPA) is another, although it's no longer available in the US. Oxymetazoline and phenylephrine are a commonly available topical decongestants (nasal sprays).

v • d • e Major Drug Groups
Gastrointestinal tract (A)	Antacids • Antiemetics • H₂-receptor antagonists • Proton pump inhibitors • Laxatives • Antidiarrhoeals
Blood and blood forming organs (B)	Anticoagulants • Antiplatelets • Thrombolytics
Cardiovascular system (C)	Antiarrhythmics • Antihypertensives • Diuretics • Vasodilators • Antianginals • Beta blockers • Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors • Antihyperlipidemics
Skin (D)	Emollients - Antipruritics
Reproductive system (G)	Hormonal contraception • Fertility agents • Selective estrogen receptor modulators • Sex hormones
Endocrine system (H)	Anti-diabetics • Corticosteroids • Sex hormones • Thyroid hormones
Infections and Infestations (J, P)	Antibiotics • Antivirals • Vaccines • Antifungals • Antiprotozoals • Anthelmintics
Malignant and Immune disease (L)	Anticancer agents • Immunostimulators • Immunosuppressants
Muscles, Bones, and Joints (M)	Anabolic steroids • Anti-inflammatories • Antirheumatics • Corticosteroids • Muscle relaxants
Brain and Nervous system (N)	Anesthetics • Analgesics • Anticonvulsants • Mood stabilizers • Anxiolytics • Antipsychotics • Antidepressants • Nervous system stimulants • Sedatives
Respiratory system (R)	Bronchodilators • Decongestants • Antihistamines

v • d • e Decongestants and other nasal preparations (R01)
Topical: sympathomimetics, plain	Cyclopentamine - Ephedrine - Phenylephrine - Oxymetazoline - Tetryzoline - Xylometazoline - Naphazoline - Tramazoline - Metizoline - Tuaminoheptane - Fenoxazoline - Tymazoline - Epinephrine
Topical: antiallergic agents, excluding corticosteroids	Cromoglicic acid - Levocabastine - Azelastine - Antazoline - Spaglumic acid - Thonzylamine - Nedocromil - Olopatadine
Topical: corticosteroids	Beclometasone - Prednisolone - Dexamethasone - Flunisolide - Budesonide - Betamethasone - Tixocortol - Fluticasone - Mometasone furoate - Triamcinolone
Topical: other nasal preparations	Calcium hexamine thiocyanate - Retinol - Ipratropium bromide - Ritiometan - Mupirocin - Hexamidine - Framycetin
Systemic use: Sympathomimetics	Phenylpropanolamine - Pseudoephedrine - Phenylephrine

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