Actifed, Humex, Rhinadvil…are what we call “vasoconstrictor” medications, that is to say medications used to clear up congestion in the nose when you suffer from a cold. They act by causing a narrowing of the diameter of the small blood vessels located in the nose (vasoconstriction phenomenon): as a result, the nasal mucosa is less swollen and the nose is less blocked.
Yes, but here it is: these medications (some of which are over-the-counter) are not harmless since they can promote the occurrence of sometimes serious complications – cerebrovascular accident (CVA), heart problems (e.g. myocardial infarction), high blood pressure, convulsions, psychiatric disorders (e.g. insomnia), skin reactions, vision problems, inflammation of the colon, etc.
Adverse effects that occur regardless of the dose
This is why the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM), which had already launched an alert last winter on these serious adverse effects, “which can occur regardless of the dose and duration of treatment“, once again sounds the alarm as the first seasonal viruses appear.
“The seriousness of these accidents and the persistence of the cases – despite the actions already put in place –, combined with the non-essential nature of vasoconstrictors (we) lead us to advise against their use” they explain. in a press release.
In France, vasoconstrictor drugs are available without a prescription.ou form of tablets, combining a vasoconstrictor (pseudoephedrine) with an analgesic or an antihistamine. They also exist in the form of a nasal spray, but subject to medical prescription. “The risk of adverse effects is increased in the event of simultaneous use of an oral vasoconstrictor (tablet) and a vasoconstrictor for local use (nasal spray)” underlines the ANSM.
What medications are affected?
- Active Cold
- Actifed Cold day and night
- Dolirhume Paracetamol and Pseudoephedrine
- Dolirhumepro Paracetamol Pseudoephedrine and Doxylamine
- Humex Cold
- Nurofen Cold
- Rhinadvil Cold Ibuprofen/ Pseudoephedrine
- Rhinadvilcaps Cold Ibuprofen/ Pseudoephedrine
The College of General Medicine, the National Professional ENT Council, as well as the National Order of Pharmacists support this recommendation of do not use oral forms of vasoconstrictor medications to relieve cold symptoms.
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