Vasoconstrictor drugs are the stars of winter: Actifed Rhume®, Actifed Lp Rhinite Allergique®, Humex Rhume®, Dolirhume®, Nurofen Rhume®, Rhinadvil Rhume®, Rhinadvilcaps Cold ®… are used to decongest the nose.
Yes, but here it is: these drugs (some of which are over the counter) have contraindications.
As the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) reminds us, vasoconstrictors are thus prohibited in case of breastfeeding, history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA), severe arterial hypertension, severe coronary insufficiency, risk of angle closure glaucoma, risk of urinary retention or treatment decongestant (oral or nasal) already in progress.
These drugs are also prohibited in children under 15, as well as in pregnant women before the 5th month of pregnancy when they contain ibuprofen. In addition, the ANSM reminds that taking a vasoconstrictor drug should not exceed 5 days.
Vasoconstrictor drugs against the common cold: not for more than 5 days!
Why these precautions? Vasoconstrictors are not trivial: they expose you to undesirable side effects, which can be serious. This may include a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).
Thus, between January and November 2011, 15 serious cases of cardiovascular or neurological adverse effects were recorded in France in patients who had taken a vasoconstrictor drug. In 25% of cases, the drug had been misused – with non-compliance with contraindications or taking more than 5 days in a row.
Good news: according to the ANSM, the consumption of vasoconstrictor drugs in France is decreasing. Between winter 2016-2017 and winter 2019-2020, sales fell by 46%, from 7.5 million boxes sold to 4 million.
Not sure if you can take vasoconstrictor medication? If in doubt, ask your pharmacist for advice, without forgetting to inform him of your medical history.
Source: ANSM press release.
Read also :
- Cold: symptoms, duration, treatments
- Winter illnesses: pregnant, when should I consult?
- Winter sickness: how to get rid of a stubborn cold?
