Can a steroid spray break the decongestant habit?

NCT ID NCT07168148

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This small, early-stage trial tested a combination of a steroid spray (triamcinolone) and a decongestant spray (oxymetazoline) to help people who were dependent on decongestants stop using them. The study planned to slowly reduce the decongestant dose while keeping the steroid steady. However, the trial was terminated early and only enrolled 3 participants, so no reliable conclusions can be drawn.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Oxymetazoline (Afrin) and Triamcinolone (Nasacort)
What this could lead to: If this approach worked, it could offer a way for people dependent on decongestant sprays to stop using them without severe nasal congestion returning.
What could go wrong: The trial was terminated early and only enrolled 3 people, so there is very little data. It is unclear if the steroid spray actually helps, and the tapering schedule may be difficult to follow.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

chronic rhinitis Nasal Obstruction

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CHRONIC RHINITIS NASAL OBSTRUCTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Washington University

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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