ATC Group: S01GA Sympathomimetics used as decongestants

The World Health Organization's ATC classification organizes medical drugs based on therapeutic properties, chemical composition, and anatomy. It helps make essential medicines readily available globally and is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry.

Position of S01GA in the ATC hierarchy

Level Code Title
1 S Sensory organs
2 S01 Ophthalmologicals
3 S01G Decongestants and antiallergics
4 S01GA Sympathomimetics used as decongestants

Group S01GA contents

Code Title
S01GA01 Naphazoline
S01GA02 Tetryzoline
S01GA03 Xylometazoline
S01GA04 Oxymetazoline
S01GA05 Phenylephrine
S01GA06 Oxedrine
S01GA07
S01GA51 Naphazoline, combinations
S01GA52 Tetryzoline, combinations
S01GA53 Xylometazoline, combinations
S01GA55 Phenylephrine, combinations
S01GA56 Oxedrine, combinations

Active ingredients in S01GA

Active Ingredient Description
Brimonidine

Brimonidine is an alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonist that is 1000-fold more selective for the alpha2-adrenoceptor than the alpha1-adrenoreceptor. This selectivity results in no mydriasis and the absence of vasoconstriction in microvessels associated with human retinal xenografts.

Naphazoline

Naphazoline is a sympathomimetic amine with pronounced alpha adrenergic activity and as a consequence has vasoconstrictor activity.

Oxymetazoline

Oximetazoline is an imidazoline derivative. It exhibits sympathomimetic activity and specifically stimulates the α-adrenergic receptors of the sympathetic system. When administered topically to the nose it causes vasoconstriction of the expansed arterioles of the mucosal nose and a concurrent reduction in blood flow. It also reduces the hypersecretion of the nasal mucosa, ultimately contributing to the decongestion of the nasal mucosa.

Phenylephrine

Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic agent with mainly direct effects on adrenergic receptors. It has predominantly alpha adrenergic activity and is without stimulating effects on the central nervous system. The sympathomimetic effect of phenylephrine produces vasoconstriction which in turn relieves nasal congestion.

Tetryzoline

Tetryzoline is an alpha adrenergic receptor agonist, which is used in form of nasal solution or spray for decongestion of nasal and nasopharyngeal mucosa.

Xylometazoline

Xylometazoline acts directly on α-adrenoreceptors but does not act on β-receptors. When used topically as a nasal decongestant, xylometazoline acts rapidly and provides long-lasting relief. Onset of action is within minutes, the decongestant effect being prolonged and lasting for up to 10 hours.

Related product monographs

Title Information Source Document Type  
ALBALON Eye drops, solution Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (AU) MPI, EU: SmPC