Nasal decongestants safety review due to rare brain risk

Experts are assessing a very rare but potentially serious brain side effect of nasal decongestants bought on the High Street.

Ones containing pseudoephedrine are being reviewed because they may cause vessels supplying the brain to contract or spasm, reducing blood flow.

The concern is this could lead to seizures and even a stroke. However, drug regulators stress the likelihood of this happening is extremely low.

The UK-wide review for pseudoephedrine was initiated after regulators in France alerted European drugs regulator the EMA, which is also conducting a review, about some recent, rare cases.

Experts say anyone with concerns about medication should speak to a doctor or pharmacist. 

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Source: BBC News, 23 February 2023