Rhinitis and rhinorrhoea are usually a result of allergy, cold, chemical, drug, or physical damage.  

Rhinorrhoea treatment:

• Anti-infective drugs (Mupirocin, Neomycin, Chlorhexidine)
• Decongestants (Phenylephrine, Ephedrine, Oxymetazoline, Pseudoephedrine)

Oral decongestants

Decongestants cause blood vessels in the nasal passages to contract (vasoconstrict). Vasoconstriction reduces nasal congestion by preventing fluid from draining from blood vessels into the tissues lining the nasal passages. This happens through activation of the alpha₁ – receptors.

Topical decongestants

Topical decongestants are vasoconstrictors, and work by constricting the blood vessels within the nasal cavity.

Rhinitis medicamentosa (RM) is a condition resulting from overuse of nasal decongestants.

A sudden stop in use of nasal spray, may lead to greater swelling and congestion. Thus, a gradual decrease in the use of the medication may be recommended; then once congestion is mild, Beclomethasone may be administered.

Antihistamines prevent the release of histamine. They should not be used in cold rhinitis as they thicken mucus due to muscarinic effect.

1^st generation antihistamines

• First-generation antihistamines block both histamine and muscarinic receptors as well as passing the blood-brain barrier.
• Has sedative properties

2^nd generation antihistamines

• Second-generation antihistamines mainly block histamine receptors and do not pass the blood-brain barrier.
• Has no sedative effects.

Therefore, the advantage of 2^nd generation antihistamine over 1^st generation antihistamine is that they have no sedative effects.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays use with caution in infection-induced conditions, this is due to increased systemic uptake. It is administered via the nasal route.

Anti-allergic drugs are used in treatment of allergen-induced rhinitis or/and rhinorrhoea. It is administered via the oral or parenteral route.

Normal salt solutions are used to dilute mucus and are administered nasally.

Mesna is regarded as a chemoprotective and anti-neoplastic drug. It reduces toxicity in urinary passages. It is adverse reactions includes respiratory disorders such as nasal congestion, cough, dry mouth, bronchoconstriction, etc. It is administered parenterally (intravenous injection).