A patient on long-term decongestant therapy with topical oxymetazoline for rhinitis develops worsening nasal congestion after three weeks of use, requiring higher doses for relief. This tachyphylaxis followed by rebound congestion is best termed as:
- A Tachyphylaxis
- B Rhinitis medicamentosa ✓
- C Anaphylactoid reaction
- D Paradoxical bronchospasm
Correct answer: B. Rhinitis medicamentosa
Explanation
Rhinitis medicamentosa is rebound nasal congestion caused by prolonged use of topical alpha-1 agonists (such as oxymetazoline). Vasoconstriction-induced ischemia leads to reactive vasodilation upon withdrawal, requiring escalating doses. While tachyphylaxis describes rapid tolerance, rhinitis medicamentosa is the specific clinical syndrome.
Reference: Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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