english.prescrire.org > Spotlight > Archives : 2013 > In the March issue of Prescrire International: The dangers of vasoconstrictive decongestants

Spotlight: Archives

Every month, the subjects in Prescrire’s Spotlight.

2013 : 1 | 30 | 60

In the March issue of Prescrire International:
The dangers of vasoconstrictive decongestants

FREE DOWNLOAD A sample page from the Adverse Effects section of this month's issue of Prescrire International features two articles on this important subject.
Full text available for free download.

Vasoconstrictive decongestants:
the French authorities' dithering leaves patients in danger 

  • Patients must be protected from the life-threatening adverse effects of vasoconstrictive decongestants used to treat simple colds. Simple market withdrawal is the best option.
     
  • The French authorities' procrastination illustrates their incapacity to take timely decisions on drug safety and thereby to fulfil their primary mission: to protect patients.  

Vasoconstrictive drugs: poisoning in children 

  • In October 2012 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published an analysis of 96 cases of accidental ingestion of vasoconstrictive nasal decongestants and eyedrops by children.
     
  • The severity of these paediatric cases is a further reason not to use decongestants.
     
  • Vasoconstrictive nasopharyngeal decongestants should simply be taken off the market.

Full text available for free download.

 ©Prescrire 1 March 2013

Prescrire Int 2013; 22 (136): 72. (Pdf, free)
Download the full review
Pdf, free