Overview
- Using over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays for longer than a week can trigger rebound congestion, also known as rhinitis medicamentosa.
- A Royal Pharmaceutical Society poll of 300 pharmacists found 59% believe the public is unaware of this risk.
- Nearly three-quarters of respondents, or 74%, want packaging to state the seven-day limit more clearly.
- Almost two-thirds, or 63%, said they had intervened when they suspected patients were overusing nasal sprays.
- The RPS advises following label instructions and consulting a pharmacist if congestion lasts more than a week, noting safe alternatives are available, as NHS data show flu hospitalisations averaged 2,924 a day in the week ending January 4 with longer ambulance handover waits rising to 33%.