decongestive

1. tending to reduce congestion or swelling, usually of the nasal membranes. Called also decongestive.

2. an agent that has this effect; it may be inhaled, taken as spray or nose drops, or used orally in liquid or tablet form. Nasal decongestants act by reducing swelling of the membranes and thus opening up the nasal passages. Among the leading ones are epinephrine, ephedrine, and phenylephrine. antihistamines may also be effective either alone or in combination with decongestants. A decongestant must be used several times a day to be helpful; but excessive use may cause headaches, dizziness, or other disorders and sometimes the medicine itself may cause reactive nasal swelling.