What it means
A drug that narrows blood vessels in the lining of the nose and sinuses. Examples are pseudoephedrinesoo-doh-eh-FED-rinA decongestant taken by mouth that shrinks swollen blood vessels in the nose to ease a stuffy nose.Full entry and phenylephrine by mouth, and oxymetazoline nasal spray. Because they narrow blood vessels elsewhere too, they can raise blood pressure and heart rate and cause nervousness and trouble sleeping.
For the nurse
Teach clients with high blood pressure, heart disease or an enlarged prostate to ask before using one. Nasal sprays should not be used for more than 3 days, since longer use causes rebound congestion.
At a glance
| Drug class | decongestant (alpha-adrenergic agonist) |
|---|---|
| Also written | decongestants, nasal decongestant, nasal decongestants |
Related terms
antihistamine
A drug that blocks the effects of histamine, used mostly for allergy symptoms.
pseudoephedrine
A decongestant taken by mouth that shrinks swollen blood vessels in the nose to ease a stuffy nose.