EXTENDED USE OF TOPICAL NASAL DECONGESTANTS

Use of sympathomimetic topical nasal decongestants to treat nasal obst ruction is usually restricted to 3 to 5 days to avoid potential reboun d swelling (rhinitis medicamentosa). In this study, 10 healthy volunte ers used oxymetazoline (long-acting topical nasal decongestant) nightl y for 4 weeks, Subjects who used antihistamines, oral or topical decon gestants, or systemic steroids or who had active sinusitis were exclud ed from the study, Weekly history, physical examination, and anterior rhinomanometry revealed no adverse effects, Eight (80%) subjects devel oped nightly nasal obstruction a few hours before the evening dose; th e obstruction resolved within 48 hours if no more decongestant was use d, All subjects remained responsive to oxymetazoline 4 weeks and 8 wee ks after the study began, This finding suggests that long-acting decon gestants may be safely used for longer than the recommended 3 to 5 day s without adverse effects if used once nightly.