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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

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Published on: April 6, 2017
Nasal decongestant effect of propylhexedrine
Abstract:
Propylhexedrine was evaluated for its objective and subjective effectiveness and duration of action as an inhaled topical nasal decongestant. It was studied with and without aromatic oils in subjects with nasal congestion due to acute upper respiratory infection (URI) or to allergic rhinitis. A logarithmic transformation of nasal airway resistance (Rn) was performed to allow the application of standard statistical test to Rn changes. Subjective rating scales for congestion and symptoms were analyzed by nonparametric statistical procedures. Rn was statistically decreased from control values for 120 minutes after propylhexedrine vapors. Responses were the same for subjects with URI and allergic rhinitis, and no effect of the aromatic oils could be demonstrated. A comparison of the relationship between objective and subjective assessments of congestion demonstrated that the subjective rating scale had reduced sensitivity and poor reliability when compared with the objective measurement of Rn.
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