Oxymetazoline plus dexpanthenol in nasal congestion

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Allergy and Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Nasal congestion is a common symptom in allergic rhinitis and a frequent complication following nasal surgery.
• Topical nasal decongestants are widely used, but their efficacy and tolerability profiles vary.
• Oxymetazoline and Xylometazoline are commonly used alpha-adrenergic agonists for nasal decongestion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical efficacy and patient tolerability of Oxymetazoline 0.05% plus Dexpanthanol 5% nasal drops versus Xylometazoline 0.1% nasal drops.
• To evaluate the therapeutic outcomes in patients experiencing nasal congestion due to allergic rhinitis or following nasal surgery.

Main Methods:

• A phase IV, investigator-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial.
• 100 patients with acute allergic rhinitis or post-nasal surgery were enrolled.
• Participants received either Oxymetazoline 0.05% with Dexpanthanol 5% (OD) or Xylometazoline 0.1% (XO) nasal drops.

Main Results:

• The Oxymetazoline-Dexpanthanol (OD) group showed significantly better relief from nasal congestion (mean nasal scores 1.24 vs 1.86) compared to the Xylometazoline (XO) group.
• The OD group experienced significantly greater improvement in sneezing, reduced nasal discharge, and less nasal irritation.
• The OD group demonstrated a significantly shorter recovery time (1.08 hours vs 1.54 hours), less rebound congestion (6.25% vs 82.98%), and higher physician and patient-reported satisfaction with therapy and tolerability.

Conclusions:

• The combination of Oxymetazoline and Dexpanthanol provides superior efficacy in relieving nasal congestion compared to Xylometazoline.
• Oxymetazoline plus Dexpanthanol offers improved tolerability, reduced rebound congestion, and a shorter recovery period.
• This combination therapy is a more effective and better-tolerated option for managing nasal congestion in allergic rhinitis and post-nasal surgery patients.