Question

Sinus medicines use one of the sympathomimetic nasal decongestants (phenylephrine), often combined with an _____, to reduce swollen sinus passages and to treat sinus headache.

Answer 1

Sinus medicines combine a sympathomimetic decongestant such as phenylephrine with analgesics to treat swollen sinuses and headaches. Phenylephrine works by dilating bronchioles in the lungs to clear mucus. It's commonly found in medicines like Tylenol Sinus and Excedrin Sinus.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sinus medicines often combine a sympathomimetic nasal decongestant like phenylephrine with other pharmaceuticals to reduce swelling in the sinus passages and treat sinus headaches. Phenylephrine, an α1-adrenergic agonist, works by stimulating adrenergic receptors, particularly those in bronchioles of the lungs, causing them to dilate and allowing mucus to be cleared from the lower respiratory tract. While it is used as a decongestant and to dilate the pupil or raise blood pressure, phenylephrine is commonly paired with analgesics (pain relievers) in over-the-counter "sinus" medications like Tylenol Sinus or Excedrin Sinus, and may also be found in expectorants for chest congestion.