TOPICAL DECONGESTANTS
Place in Therapy
Place in therapy
Most literature on allergic conjunctivitis is in agreement that topical decongestants are meant to be used as secondary line treatment for benign, self-limiting, mild allergic conjunctivitis. Decongestants primarily act as vasoconstrictors and are highly effective at providing short-term relief of erythema. However, they have no effect in diminishing the allergic response. They are commonly found in combination with a topical antihistamine, as the combination is more effective at reducing redness, itchiness and irritation then either agent alone. Combination therapy also has associated side effects and has a limited duration of action, than either agent alone, requiring frequent dosing. Topical decongestants are contraindicated in patients with narrow angle glaucoma. Patients with moderate to severe allergic conjunctivitis, or who are unresponsive to non-prescription therapy for 72 hours should not use topical decongestants, and should be referred to a physician.
References
1. Lexicomp ONLINE: Lexi Drug ID.
2. Friesen AM. Eye Conditions. In: Dolovich L, Mansour S, Miller PF, Richer M, Suveges L, and Vaillancourt, Regis, editors. Patient Self Care. Ottawa: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2002. p. 155-157.
Most literature on allergic conjunctivitis is in agreement that topical decongestants are meant to be used as secondary line treatment for benign, self-limiting, mild allergic conjunctivitis. Decongestants primarily act as vasoconstrictors and are highly effective at providing short-term relief of erythema. However, they have no effect in diminishing the allergic response. They are commonly found in combination with a topical antihistamine, as the combination is more effective at reducing redness, itchiness and irritation then either agent alone. Combination therapy also has associated side effects and has a limited duration of action, than either agent alone, requiring frequent dosing. Topical decongestants are contraindicated in patients with narrow angle glaucoma. Patients with moderate to severe allergic conjunctivitis, or who are unresponsive to non-prescription therapy for 72 hours should not use topical decongestants, and should be referred to a physician.
References
1. Lexicomp ONLINE: Lexi Drug ID.
2. Friesen AM. Eye Conditions. In: Dolovich L, Mansour S, Miller PF, Richer M, Suveges L, and Vaillancourt, Regis, editors. Patient Self Care. Ottawa: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2002. p. 155-157.