Dexpanthenol: An Overview of its Contribution to Symptom Relief in Acute Rhinitis Treated with Decongestant Nasal Sprays

Abstract

Nasal blockage is the most bothersome symptom of acute rhinitis. Nasal decongestant sprays containing alpha-sympathomimetics, such as oxymetazoline and xylometazoline, have a rapid onset of action. However, this effect decreases with repeated application and, furthermore, the ciliary function of the nasal mucosa is practically paralyzed. Dexpanthenol promotes cell proliferation and protects the epithelium. Combining these two agents has demonstrated beneficial synergetic effects on the symptoms of acute rhinitis. In a post hoc analysis of a large-scale double-blind, active-controlled study including 152 patients, we could demonstrate that the benefit of added dexpanthenol appears as early as on the third day of the combined application of xylometazoline and dexpanthenol in terms of complete or near-to-complete freedom from symptoms. After 5 days, 47% of the patients were cured under the combined treatment compared with only 1% under xylometazoline monotherapy. These data show that the addition of dexpanthenol to an alpha-sympathomimetic nasal spray not only improves its tolerability but also further increases its effectiveness and leads to expedited cure.Funding: Klosterfrau Healthcare Group.

Carrageenan-containing over-the-counter nasal and oral sprays inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection of airway epithelial cultures

“…Some contain decongestant compounds like xylometazoline (8), tramazoline, or oxymetazoline (9) to reduce symptoms of nasal congestion (10). This effect is supported by moisturizing or gel-forming mucoprotective substances such as dexpanthenol (9) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (11,12). In addition, sulfated polysaccharides such as carrageenans are included as broad-spectrum antiviral agents (13)(14)(15)(16)(17).…”

“…Sprays applied to the nasal and oral mucosa to soothe symptoms, reduce disease duration, and increase viral clearance of respiratory infections caused by viruses such as rhino-, influenza-, or common cold coronaviruses have been approved and are available as over-the-counter medicine. Some contain decongestant compounds like xylometazoline ( 8 ), tramazoline, or oxymetazoline ( 9 ) to reduce symptoms of nasal congestion ( 10 ). This effect is supported by moisturizing or gel-forming mucoprotective substances such as dexpanthenol ( 9 ) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose ( 11 , 12 ).…”

The contribution of galenics to patients’ sensory perception of nasal sprays after nasal surgery – data from a prospective randomized, controlled, double-blind, cross-over, multi-centre study

“…The current study investigated the sensory perception of two decongesting nasal sprays, new galenics and comparator, in patients during convalescence from surgery on the nasal septum or nasal conchae. While the literature has shown the positive contribution of dexpanthenol to xylometazoline containing decongestant nasal sprays [8][9][10] the current trial investigated the comparison of two decongestant sprays with or without the additional excipient hyaluronic acid.…”

Saponin Micelles Lead to High Mucosal Permeation and In Vivo Efficacy of Solubilized Budesonide

“…The addition of dexpanthenol appears to be essential for the long-term stability of this micelle-based formulation. Typically, dexpanthenol is used in marketed intranasal formulations to improve the tolerability of preparations of decongestions and preservatives by hydrating treated areas and maintaining the mucosal surface integrity [ 25 , 30 ].…”