Drug-induced rhinitis is nonallergic, recurrent inflammation / congestion of the nasal mucous membranes caused by the use of certain medications. Medications known to cause rhinitis are antihypertensives, anticonvulsants, oral contraceptives, and psychotropic medications.

Rhinitis medicamentosa, known as chemical or rebound rhinitis, is caused by repetitive use (over a period of days to weeks) of topical vasoconstrictive drugs (over-the-counter decongestants) and is characterized by nasal congestion and red swollen mucosa. This is the most common type of drug-induced rhinitis. The most common offending medication is oxymetazoline, also known as Afrin.

Management involves discontinuing, tapering or substituting the causative drug, and in some cases may warrant a short course of glucocorticoids for severe congestion. Oftentimes, a tapering protocol using nasal saline or dilute dosages of oxymetazoline are used to try to lessen the severity of symptoms during discontinuation.

Related topics: allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis