Decongestants PHARMARCOLOGY STUDY GUIDE
Learn about the uses and nursing care plan considerations needed for patients taking
decongestants in this nursing pharmacology study guide.
Decongestants cause local vasoconstriction, thereby reducing blood flow to the mucous
membranes of the nasal passages and sinus cavities. Nasal decongestants
(sympathomimetic amines) stimulate the alpha-adrenergic receptors, producing vascular
constriction of the capillaries within the nasal mucosa. Decongestants are usually adrenergic or
sympathomimetic.
Decongestants: Generic and Brand Names
Here is a table of commonly encountered decongestants, their generic names, and brand
names:
• Topical Nasal Decongestants
• ephedrine (Pretz-D)
• oxymetazoline (Afrin, Allerest)
• phenylephrine (Coricidin)
• tetrahydrazoline (Tyzine)
• xylometazoline (Otrivin)
• Oral Decongestants
• pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Decofed)
• Topical Steroid Nasal Decongestants
• beclomethasone (Beclovent)
, • budesonide (Pulmicort)
• dexamethasone (Decadron)
• flunisolid (Aerobid)
• fluticasone (Flovent)
• triamcinolone (Azmacort)
Disease spotlight: Sinusitis
Sinusitis occurs when the epithelial lining of the sinus cavities becomes inflamed.
• The resultant swelling often causes severe pain due to pressure against the bone, which
cannot stretch, leading to blockage of the sinus passage.
• The danger of a sinus infection is that, if it is left untreated, microorganisms can travel up
the sinus passages and into brain tissue.
• Symptoms of sinusitis include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the cheek, eyes, or
forehead, a blocked nose, reduced sense of smell, a sinus headache, and a
high temperature of 38°C.
What are decongestants?
Decongestants decrease the overproduction of secretions by causing local vasoconstriction to
the upper respiratory tract.
• This vasoconstriction leads to a shrinking of swollen mucous membranes and tends to
open clogged nasal passages, providing relief from the discomfort of a blocked nose and
promoting drainage of secretions and improved airflow.
• Topical nasal decongestants, oral decongestant, and topical steroid nasal decongestants
are classifications of decongestants.
Therapeutic actions of decongestants
The desired actions of decongestants include the following:
Topical nasal decongestants
• Imitate the effects of the sympathetic nervous system to cause vasoconstriction, leading
to decreased edema and inflammation of the nasal membranes.
• Relieve the discomfort of nasal congestion that accompanies the common cold, sinusitis,
and allergic rhinitis.
Learn about the uses and nursing care plan considerations needed for patients taking
decongestants in this nursing pharmacology study guide.
Decongestants cause local vasoconstriction, thereby reducing blood flow to the mucous
membranes of the nasal passages and sinus cavities. Nasal decongestants
(sympathomimetic amines) stimulate the alpha-adrenergic receptors, producing vascular
constriction of the capillaries within the nasal mucosa. Decongestants are usually adrenergic or
sympathomimetic.
Decongestants: Generic and Brand Names
Here is a table of commonly encountered decongestants, their generic names, and brand
names:
• Topical Nasal Decongestants
• ephedrine (Pretz-D)
• oxymetazoline (Afrin, Allerest)
• phenylephrine (Coricidin)
• tetrahydrazoline (Tyzine)
• xylometazoline (Otrivin)
• Oral Decongestants
• pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Decofed)
• Topical Steroid Nasal Decongestants
• beclomethasone (Beclovent)
, • budesonide (Pulmicort)
• dexamethasone (Decadron)
• flunisolid (Aerobid)
• fluticasone (Flovent)
• triamcinolone (Azmacort)
Disease spotlight: Sinusitis
Sinusitis occurs when the epithelial lining of the sinus cavities becomes inflamed.
• The resultant swelling often causes severe pain due to pressure against the bone, which
cannot stretch, leading to blockage of the sinus passage.
• The danger of a sinus infection is that, if it is left untreated, microorganisms can travel up
the sinus passages and into brain tissue.
• Symptoms of sinusitis include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the cheek, eyes, or
forehead, a blocked nose, reduced sense of smell, a sinus headache, and a
high temperature of 38°C.
What are decongestants?
Decongestants decrease the overproduction of secretions by causing local vasoconstriction to
the upper respiratory tract.
• This vasoconstriction leads to a shrinking of swollen mucous membranes and tends to
open clogged nasal passages, providing relief from the discomfort of a blocked nose and
promoting drainage of secretions and improved airflow.
• Topical nasal decongestants, oral decongestant, and topical steroid nasal decongestants
are classifications of decongestants.
Therapeutic actions of decongestants
The desired actions of decongestants include the following:
Topical nasal decongestants
• Imitate the effects of the sympathetic nervous system to cause vasoconstriction, leading
to decreased edema and inflammation of the nasal membranes.
• Relieve the discomfort of nasal congestion that accompanies the common cold, sinusitis,
and allergic rhinitis.
