decongestant

decongestant /de·con·ges·tant/ (de″kon-jes´tint)

1. tending to reduce congestion or swelling.

2. an agent that so acts.

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de·con·ges·tant (dkn-jstnt)

n.

A medication or treatment that breaks up congestion, as that of the sinuses, by reducing swelling.

adj.

Capable of relieving congestion.

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Decongestant

Medicines that shrink blood vessels and consequently mucus membranes. Pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, and phenylpropanolamine are the most common.

Mentioned in: Nasal Polyps

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decongestant

Etymology: L, de + congerere, to pile up

1  adj, pertaining to a substance or procedure that eliminates or reduces congestion or swelling.

2  n, a decongestant drug. Adrenergic drugs (α-1 stimulants), such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, that cause vasoconstriction of nasal mucosa are used as decongestants.

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decongestant [de″kon-jes´tant]

1. tending to reduce congestion or swelling, usually of the nasal membranes. Called also decongestive.

2. an agent that has this effect; it may be inhaled, taken as spray or nose drops, or used orally in liquid or tablet form. Nasal decongestants act by reducing swelling of the membranes and thus opening up the nasal passages. Among the leading ones are epinephrine, ephedrine, and phenylephrine. antihistamines may also be effective either alone or in combination with decongestants. A decongestant must be used several times a day to be helpful; but excessive use may cause headaches, dizziness, or other disorders and sometimes the medicine itself may cause reactive nasal swelling.

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decongestant,

n a substance that reduces the production of mucus, thus relieving sinus congestion.

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decongestant

1. tending to reduce congestion or swelling.

2. an agent that reduces congestion or swelling, usually of the nasal membranes. Decongestants may be inhaled, administered as spray or nose drops, or used orally in liquid or tablet form. The medication acts by reducing swelling of the nasal membranes and thus opening up the nasal passages. Among the leading medications used as decongestants are epinephrine, ephedrine and phenylephrine. Antihistamines, alone or in combination with decongestants, may also be effective.

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decongestant

Pharmacology An agent that ↓ swelling or congestion–eg, nasal decongestants–eg pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, which constrict blood vessels, ↓ blood flow to nasal mucosa and sinuses and ↓ mucosal edema Adverse effects Insomnia, irritability; HTN, renal failure, arrhythmias, psychosis, strokes, seizures, rebound effect; used with caution in Pts with HTN, heart disease, seizure disorders, or hyperthyroidism, or in those receiving MAOIs. Cf Nasal decongestant, Rebound effect, Rhinitis medicamentosa, Steam decongestant.