One-Week Use of Oxymetazoline Nasal Spray in Patients with Rhinitis medicamentosa 1 Year after Treatment

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether patients with rhinitis medicamentosa who stopped using the topical vasoconstrictors may use these drugs again more than 1 year later. Eight patients received oxymetazoline nasal spray containing benzalkonium chloride 3 times daily for 7 days, 13–19 months after they had stopped using nasal decongestant sprays containing benzalkonium chloride. Before starting the course of treatment and after its conclusion, recordings of the mucosal surface positions were made with rhinostereometry, followed by histamine challenge tests. Symptoms of nasal stuffiness were estimated on visual analogue scales (0–100). After 7 days, nasal stuffiness, estimated by symptom scores and measurements of nasal mucosa swelling, was found, as well as an increased histamine sensitivity, which was interpreted as a sign of nasal hyperreactivity. In conclusion, patients with rhinitis medicamentosa who overuse topical decongestants and are able to stop using such drugs should be careful about taking these drugs again, even for a few days. They must be informed about the fast onset of rebound congestion upon repeated use in order to avoid the return of the vicious circle of nose drop abuse.

Oxymetazoline adds to the effectiveness of fluticasone furoate in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis

“…The reports addressing this recommendation are divided. Graf and colleagues, [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] in a series of articles, showed evidence of rebound and also suggested a role for the preservative benzalkonium chloride. In contrast, several studies have shown lack of rhinitis medicamentosa when oxymetazoline or xylometazoline was used for up to 8 weeks.…”

Does Oxymetazoline Increase the Efficacy of Nasal Steroids in Treating Nasal Polyposis?

“…19,20 The concept of rebound congestion remains controversial. Although several studies found that rebound congestion developed after 3 to 10 days of topical decongestant use, [21][22][23][24][25] a similar number of studies also showed a lack of any rebound congestion with up to 8 weeks of use. [26][27][28] Such contradictory evidence raises doubts about the real existence of this effect.…”

Nicht-allergische Rhinitis: Epidemiologie, Diagnostik und Therapie

“…• ▶ Tab. 3 zeigt ein Therapieschema zum Vorgehen bei kompliziertem Privinismus modifiziert nach [77,81,82].…”