Individuals experiencing nasal congestion are being advised to restrict their use of decongestant sprays to a maximum of five days to prevent worsening the condition. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued this guidance, cautioning that prolonged use can lead to "rebound congestion" and other adverse effects.
Understanding the Risks
Nasal decongestant sprays containing xylometazoline and oxymetazoline provide short-term relief from stuffiness caused by colds, allergies, or sinusitis. However, overuse can cause the nasal passages to become dependent on the medication, leading to increased swelling and congestion once the spray is discontinued.
New Packaging and Immediate Action
While new packaging and leaflets will eventually state the five-day usage limit, the regulator acknowledges that these changes will take months to implement. Patients are therefore urged to adhere to the updated guidance immediately, even before product information is revised.
Thao Huynh, head of respiratory imaging and critical care at the MHRA, stated: "If your nose is still blocked after five days of using a nasal spray, it could be caused by overuse of the product, rather than your original symptoms. Continuing to use it could make the problem worse. Instead, talk to a healthcare professional about stopping use of the product and whether alternative treatments could help."
Expert Endorsement
Professor Amira Guirguis, chief scientist at the Royal College of Pharmacy, welcomed the update, adding: "Our recent survey found almost 60% of pharmacists who responded believe patients are unaware of the risks of using these medicines longer than recommended. We support clearer product information and improved packaging, alongside consistent public messaging, to improve awareness that these products are for short-term use only and to avoid preventable harm."
