Vasoconstrictor drops

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Vasoconstrictor drops are used for the rapid reduction of swelling and nasal congestion by constricting the local blood vessels of the mucosa. This facilitates breathing, reduces discharge, and restores the patency of the nasal passages.

The effect occurs quickly, but such medications require careful use, as they affect the receptors that regulate vascular tone.

Mechanism of Action

The main active ingredients are oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, and phenylephrine. They stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors, causing the constriction of blood vessels in the mucous membrane. As a result, blood flow decreases, swelling subsides, and airflow improves.

The duration of action depends on the medication: on average, from 4 to 12 hours.

Indications for Use:

viral or allergic rhinitis;
sinusitis;
otitis, to improve fluid drainage through the Eustachian tube;
preparation for diagnostic procedures in the nasal cavity.

Methods of Application

The medication is applied locally, after clearing the nasal passages. After cleansing, the specified number of drops is introduced into each nostril, taking into account contraindications and allowable dosage.

Exceeding the recommended volume is not allowed, as it increases the risk of side effects.

Side Effects:

d dryness and irritation of the mucosa;
burning or discomfort in the nose;
headache or pressure in the head;
increased blood pressure with frequent or prolonged use.

Recommendations for Use

do not use vasoconstrictor medications for more than 5–7 consecutive days;
strictly adhere to the dosage and interval between applications;
consider chronic diseases and consult a doctor if there is hypertension, tachycardia, or thyroid disorders.

Vasoconstrictor drops effectively relieve symptoms of nasal congestion but are a temporary measure. Their purpose is to facilitate breathing while the underlying cause of the disease is being treated.

To avoid complications and the development of medicinal rhinitis, it is important to use them strictly according to the instructions and not to exceed the allowable duration of the course.

The most important thing about Vasoconstrictor dropsWatch all

Why are vasoconstrictor drops harmful?

Regular use of vasoconstrictor drops can lead to atrophy of the mucous membrane and loss of smell. Due to disruption of tissue trophism, decreased microcirculation, epithelial damage, and atrophy of the glands.

Frequent use of vasoconstrictor drops can lead to serious changes in the nasal mucosa, including atrophy and loss of smell. This is associated with several physiological mechanisms.

How vasoconstrictor drops work

Vasoconstrictor drops (for example, with active ingredients such as xylometazoline, naphazoline, oxymetazoline) cause contraction of the smooth muscle of the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa. This leads to reduced swelling, improved nasal passage patency, and subjective relief of breathing.

However, they act on alpha-adrenergic receptors, which, when frequently stimulated, stop responding adequately — tolerance develops.

Rebound effect and rhinitis medicamentosa

With prolonged use (more than 5–7 days), a condition known as rhinitis medicamentosa, or the "rebound effect," develops:

Blood vessels, after a brief constriction, begin to reflexively dilate.
This causes chronic swelling of the mucosa.
The patient experiences dependence on the drops, without which they cannot breathe.

Mucosal atrophy

Chronic swelling and constant exposure to the chemical substance on the epithelium lead to:

disruption of tissue trophism,
decreased microcirculation,
damage to the ciliated epithelium (which is responsible for mucus clearance and protection against microbes),
atrophy of the glands that produce mucus.

Atrophic mucosa becomes dry, easily injured, with crusts and microtraumas. Ultimately, this reduces local immunity and makes the nasal cavity vulnerable to infections.

Loss of smell (anosmia)

Olfactory receptors are located in the upper nasal passage. In cases of chronic inflammation and atrophy:

degeneration or disruption of signals to the olfactory bulb occurs,
mucus and crusts can physically block the access of odor molecules to the receptors,
reversible and irreversible changes in the olfactory area are possible.

Conclusion

Thus, vasoconstrictor drops, with excessive and prolonged use, cease to be a therapeutic agent and become a source of chronic disease.

To avoid this, their use should be strictly time-limited, and if longer treatment is necessary, preference should be given to anti-inflammatory and moisturizing agents.

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