Histamine sensitivity in the nasal mucosa during four-week use of oxymetazoline.
In order to objectively study the histamine sensitivity of the nasal mucosa during 30 days of regular use of oxymetazoline nasal spray (0.5 mg/ml; 0.1 ml in each nostril, thrice daily), eight healthy volunteers were examined with rhinostereometry. After 10 days on being treated, the histamine sensitivity was slightly enhanced. After a further 20 days the sensitivity was significantly increased compared to that before the start of the medication (p < 0.05). This increase in histamine sensitivity for the group is significantly greater than that of healthy drug-free volunteers, and the level is comparable with that of patients with non-allergic nasal hyperreactivity (NANH). It is concluded that a hyperreactive mucosal reaction develops after a relatively short time on oxymetazoline and that the results of this study are in line with the recommendation that the drug should not be used for more than 10 days.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Juto
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006632:Histamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects; D009299:Nasal Provocation Tests; D010109:Oxymetazoline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors
D006632:Histamine; D010109:Oxymetazoline