Decongestants are mainly divided into two categories: systemic and local applications.
There are two types of decongestants for local application: ① Catecholamines, including ephedrine and neoflavin, etc.
(2) Derivatives of isopyrazolines: interhydroxazoline (hydroxymetazoline), tetrahydrozoline and cyclozoline, etc.
There are two types of receptors in the volume vessels that cause swelling of the nasal mucosa: ① α1-adrenergic receptors – sensitive to catecholamines.
② α2-adrenergic receptors – sensitive to isopyrazoles.
Decongestants can only be applied topically: interhydroxazoline, tetrahydrozoline, cellobenzoline, etc.
Decongestants can only be taken orally: pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine (proephedrine).
Can be both orally and topically applied: ephedrine, neoforin, etc.