Journal of Clinical & Experimental Pharmacology

Abstract

Balancing Efficacy and Tolerability in Nasal Decongestion: A Rationale for the Oxymetazoline and Dexpanthenol Combination

Samir Bhargava, Prahlad H Prabhudesai, Barin Kumar Roy Chaudhuri, Kumud Kumar Handa, P Harihara Murthy, Nitin Vohra, Vinod Malve* and Ashani Basu

Nasal congestion, a common and burdensome symptom, significantly impairs quality of life. Topical decongestants like oxymetazoline provide effective and rapid localized relief, making them a primary therapeutic choice. A known consideration with this therapy is the potential for nasal dryness, which can impact the overall patient experience. This review explores the rationale for combining oxymetazoline with dexpanthenol to address this. The role of dexpanthenol is purely supportive. By providing essential mucosal hydration as a humectant, it helps to soothe local irritation and directly counteract the dryness associated with decongestant use. This action helps maintain a healthy mucosal environment conducive to the body's natural repair processes. This integrated approach pairs the primary decongestant efficacy of oxymetazoline with the supportive care of a hydrating agent. The goal is to provide effective symptomatic relief of congestion while simultaneously enhancing the comfort and tolerability of the therapy for the patient.

Published Date: 2026-11-09; Received Date: 2026-10-09