Safety and Efficacy of Phenylephrine Nasal Drops in Bronchiolitis

Objective: Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection in the first Year of life. In this disease p er respiratory tract infection is associated with nasal congestion, respiratory distress and severe cases se We studied the effect of phenylephrine drops as a decongestant in treatment of light and moderately of acute bronchiolitis. Methods: This is a double blind randomized trial involving 100 children aged 4 weeks to 12 months. The patients were divided into two groups, the first group received 0.1 ml phenylephrine 0.5% and the second group 0.1 ml sodium chloride (NaCl) 0.9% as placebo in both nostrils. Respiratory rate, heart rate, 02 saturation, dyspnea, retractions and wheezing were assessed before and 30 minutes after medication. Findings: After medication, 02 saturation and respiratory muscles retractions in the phenylephrine group were significantly better than those of the placebo group (P=0.004 and P=0.002, respectively). In the phenylephrine group, 02 saturation, retractions and wheezing were also significantly better before than those after medication (P=0.003 and P<0.0001 respectively). In the placebo group no significant difference before and after intervention was observed. Conclusion; Phenylephrine as a topical decongestant is an inexpensive, easily available and suitable means in the treatment of mild to moderately severe bronchiolitis.