| decongestant | <pharmacology> This represents a large group of sympathomimetic medications that act to constrict blood vessels in the nasal passages and reduce congestion or swelling. Common medications include pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, phenylpropanolamine, oxymetazoline and phenylephrine. Can be delivered as a pH balanced nasal solution. (09 Oct 1997) |
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| decongestants | Drugs that shrink the swollen membranes in the nose and make it easier to breath. Decongestants can be taken orally or by nasal spray. Decongestant nasal spray should not be used for more than five days without the doctor s advice, and if so, usually only when accompanied by a nasal steroid. Many decongestant nasal sprays often cause a rebound effect if taken too long. A rebound effect is the worsening of symptoms when a drug is discontinued. This is a result of a tissue dependence on the medication. Decongestants should not be used by patients with high blood pressure (hypertension) unless under doctor's supervision. (12 Dec 1998) |
| decongestive | Having the property of reducing congestion. Synonym: decongestant. (05 Mar 2000) |