combination of active agents the topical delivery system and vehicle for the active agent s are significant considerations specifically prototypical u03b1 1 adrenoceptor agonists in the present invention are tetrahydrozoline and oxymetazoline and when included in the typical embodiment as the sole active ingredient sole u03b1 1 adrenoceptor agonist are preferably used in amounts of about 0 05 up to about 30 and preferably about 0 001 up to about 3 by weight based on the total weight of the composition where both or an additional or different u03b1 1 adrenoceptor agonist is admixed lower amounts of the active compound s might be included additionally the carrier or vehicle of the invention will have dramatic effects on the concentrations of the active ingredients selected the preferred embodiments employ active ingredients in amounts effective to achieve clinical efficacy without causing systemic side effects the compositions according to the invention may comprise all pharmaceutical forms normally utilized for the topical route of administration and known to practitioners of this art including solutions gels lotions creams ointments foams mousses emulsions microemulsions milks serums aerosols sprays dispersions microcapsules vesicles and microparticles thereof the subject compositions may also be formulated as solid preparations constituting soaps or cleansing bars these compositions.