Maximizing Patient Safety and Efficacy With Oxymetazoline OTC Products and the Management of Nasal Congestion: A Pharmacist's Guide to Optimal Use (Pharmacy Technician Credit)

Program Description
Nasal congestion, often described as fullness, obstruction, reduced airflow, or being “stuffed up,” is a common symptom that can negatively affect an individual's quality of life by interfering with day-to-day activities and disrupting sleep pattern. Medical care and/or nonprescription product use, including nasal decongestant formulations such as oxymetazoline, a long-acting decongestant, are the standard treatment choice for patients; however, the risk of potential drug-drug interactions, contraindications, and adverse effects from misuse of products remain. Pharmacists are in a critical position to advise patients on the proper use of nonprescription nasal decongestants and can direct them to seek counsel from their primary health care providers when warranted. This activity will equip pharmacists and pharmacy technicians with knowledge regarding the etiology, incidence, and most common causes of nasal congestion, as well as its impact on patient productivity, sleep quality, and overall health-related quality of life to ensure patient-specific treatment.

Target audience: Retail pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
Type of activity: Application for pharmacists; Knowledge for pharmacy technicians
Learner level: Foundational
Release date: July 12, 2023
Expiration date: September 30, 2024
Time to complete activity: 2.0 hours
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

Educational Objectives for Technicians

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Study the incidence, common causes, and impact of nasal congestion on patient quality of life and productivity
• Discuss the etiology of rhinitis medicamentosa
• Recognize the role of OTC oxymetazoline in managing nasal congestion, including the efficacy and safety data associated with long-term use
• Outline the comprehensive treatment plan drafted by the pharmacist for patients with nasal congestion, including appropriate use of OTC options and managing drug interactions and potential adverse effects of nasal decongestants

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education^™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 2.0 contact hours (0.20 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity numbers 0290-0000-23-263-H01-P and 0290-0000-23-264-H01-T. The activity is available for CE credit through September 30, 2024.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, read the article in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Disclosures

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Faculty

Marlowe Djuric Kachlic, PharmD, BCACP

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education^™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Michelle C. Carlson, PharmD; Angelica Archibald; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta

An anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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