What should a client do if over-the-counter nasal decongestant drops do not relieve their symptoms?

If over-the-counter nasal decongestant drops do not relieve a client’s symptoms, discontinuing the medication for several days is the recommended course of action because prolonged use of nasal decongestants can lead to rebound congestion, a condition known as rhinitis medicamentosa. This occurs when the nasal passages become more congested after the medication is stopped, leading to a cycle of dependence on the drops. By taking a break from the medication, the nasal mucosa can recover, and normal function can be restored.

Using a combination of oral medications and drops or switching to a stronger dose may not address the problem effectively and could increase the risk of rebound congestion. Similarly, increasing the frequency of the nasal drops might exacerbate the issue rather than provide relief. Therefore, the most effective strategy in this scenario is to allow time for the nasal tissues to heal by discontinuing use for a period.