Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Absorption of Nasal and Bronchial Fluids: Precision Sampling of the Human Respiratory Mucosa and Laboratory Processing of Samples
11:54

Absorption of Nasal and Bronchial Fluids: Precision Sampling of the Human Respiratory Mucosa and Laboratory Processing of Samples

Published on: January 21, 2018

alpha2-adrenoceptor agonists as nasal decongestants

M R Corboz1, J C Mutter, M A Rivelli

  • 1Pulmonary and Peripheral Neurobiology, Schering-Plough Research Institute, 2015 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA. michel.corboz@spcorp.com

Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|July 1, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Selective alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonists effectively reduce nasal congestion by targeting venous sinusoids. These compounds offer a promising alternative to nonselective decongestants, potentially minimizing side effects like hypertension.

More Related Videos

Intranasal Administration of CNS Therapeutics to Awake Mice07:15

Intranasal Administration of CNS Therapeutics to Awake Mice

Published on: April 8, 2013

Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Managing Allergic Rhinitis03:40

Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Managing Allergic Rhinitis

Published on: December 20, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Decongestants01:27

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Decongestants

Decongestants are a class of medications used primarily to alleviate nasal congestion, a common symptom resulting from allergies, colds, sinusitis, and other upper respiratory tract infections. These drugs work by activating α-adrenergic receptors, constricting small blood vessels in the nasal membranes. This action results in the opening of clogged nasal passages, thereby facilitating sinus drainage and relieving congestion.
Most decongestants are readily available over-the-counter in various...
Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents01:28

Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents

Mixed-action adrenergic agonists, like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, directly and indirectly affect adrenergic receptors. These agents stimulate adrenoceptors and indirectly release stored neurotransmitters, amplifying the adrenergic response.
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
Adrenergic Agonists: Direct-Acting Agents01:30

Adrenergic Agonists: Direct-Acting Agents

Drugs that mimic the action of endogenous catecholamines like noradrenaline and adrenaline are called adrenergic agonists or sympathomimetics. Based on their mechanism of action, sympathomimetics can be classified as direct-, indirect-, or mixed-acting sympathomimetics. Direct-acting adrenergic agonists activate adrenoceptors without affecting presynaptic neurons, making them independent of neuronal catecholamine-depleting agents like reserpine and guanethidine.
These agents can be classified...
Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Classification01:18

Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Classification

Adrenergic agonists can be classified based on their therapeutic uses and mechanisms of action. They serve various purposes in clinical applications.
Vasopressor or pressor agents: They increase blood pressure and function as cardiac stimulants. Examples include endogenous catecholamines (norepinephrine and dopamine) and synthetic agents (phenylephrine).
Bronchodilators: β2-agonists can relax bronchial muscles and widen airways. They are commonly used for treating obstructive pulmonary...
Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses01:30

Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses

Adrenergic agonists have diverse therapeutic uses across various medical conditions and emergencies.
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and anaphylaxis:...
Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of ɑ-Receptor Blockers01:17

Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of ɑ-Receptor Blockers

Adrenergic antagonists, or sympatholytics, inhibit adrenoceptor activation driven by catecholamines or agonists. Based on their adrenoceptor specificity, adrenergic blockers can be categorized into two primary groups: α-adrenergic blockers (α-blockers) and β-adrenergic blockers (β-blockers). α-blockers interact with α1 and α2 subtypes of α-adrenoceptors.
Nonselective α-blockers: Nonselective α-blockers contain haloalkylamine or imidazoline moieties. Phenoxybenzamine, with a haloalkylamine...