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Related Experiment Videos

Selecting a decongestant

L Hendeles1

  • 1College of Pharmacy, University of Florida Health Science Center, Gainesville 32610-0486.

Pharmacotherapy
|November 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Antihistamines do not relieve nasal stuffiness, while decongestants do. Pharmacists should verify generic decongestant formulations for efficacy before substitution.

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Efficacy
  • Upper Respiratory Illnesses

Background:

  • Antihistamines and decongestants are frequently combined for upper respiratory conditions.
  • These drug classes possess distinct therapeutic actions.
  • Current product formulations may lack regulatory scrutiny and bioequivalence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To differentiate the therapeutic actions of antihistamines and decongestants.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of common decongestants.
  • To address concerns regarding the quality and bioequivalence of over-the-counter formulations.

Main Methods:

  • Review of pharmacological actions of antihistamines and decongestants.
  • Comparison of efficacy of phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylephrine.

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  • Discussion of topical versus oral administration routes for decongestants.
  • Analysis of formulation characteristics, including slow-release and generic products.

    • Main Results:

    • Antihistamines are ineffective for nasal stuffiness.
    • Phenylpropanolamine and pseudoephedrine are effective decongestants; phenylephrine is not bioavailable in recommended doses.
    • Topical decongestants offer rapid but short-lived relief with potential for rebound congestion.
    • Oral decongestants do not cause rebound congestion.
    • Significant variability exists in the in vitro dissolution of generic decongestant formulations.

    Conclusions:

    • Decongestants effectively treat nasal congestion, while antihistamines do not.
    • Phenylpropanolamine and pseudoephedrine demonstrate superior decongestant efficacy over phenylephrine.
    • Pharmacists must exercise caution with generic decongestant substitutions due to potential bioequivalence issues.