Definition: Drugs designed to treat inflammation of the nasal passages, generally the result of an infection (more often than not the common cold) or an allergy related condition, e.g., hay fever. The inflammation involves swelling of the mucous membrane that lines the nasal passages and results in inordinate mucus production. The primary class of nasal decongestants are vasoconstrictor agents. (From PharmAssist, The Family Guide to Health and Medicine, 1993)
Nasal Decongestants - do not use entry term VASOCONSTRICTOR AGENTS, NASAL for the nasal administration of systemic vasoconstrictor agents; use instead the specific vasoconstrictor agent / admin + ADMINISTRATION, INTRANASAL
