Health officials are cautioning against the prolonged use of over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays, including popular brands like Vicks, Sudafed, and Otrivine. The warning stems from the risk of developing rebound congestion and addiction.

Rebound Congestion and Addiction Risks

These readily available sprays, typically costing around £4, work by temporarily reducing swelling in nasal passages, providing short-term relief from congestion. However, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a warning regarding the active ingredients, xylometazoline and oxymetazoline.

Understanding Rhinitis Medicamentosa

Prolonged use of these ingredients can lead to rebound congestion, where the nasal passages become dependent on the medication to function normally. This results in worsening congestion when the spray’s effects wear off, creating a cycle of continuous use. This condition, medically known as rhinitis medicamentosa, can affect anyone who overuses nasal sprays.

Symptoms of rhinitis medicamentosa include irritation, a runny nose, sneezing, and persistent congestion. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address chronic swelling and potential breathing problems.

New Guidelines and Public Awareness

The MHRA is updating product packaging and patient information leaflets to reflect a five-day usage guideline. While full implementation will take several months, the agency is urging the public to adhere to the recommendation immediately.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) previously found that nearly 60% of pharmacists believe patients are unaware of the risks associated with long-term use. Research suggests that over 5.5 million adults in the UK may have already risked addiction by using these sprays for longer than a week.

Personal Experiences and Support

Charlotte Johnstone, 30, shared her experience with nasal spray addiction, which began at age seven and escalated to eight applications daily. She now suffers from anxiety related to her addiction, including nightmares about breathlessness.

While most patients can discontinue use without lasting damage, some may require stronger, steroid-based treatments to manage withdrawal symptoms. Professor Amira Guirguis of the Royal College of Pharmacy supports clearer product information and public messaging to raise awareness.

The MHRA emphasizes the importance of reading the Patient Information Leaflet and following the instructions provided with the medication.