Pseudoephedrine

Products

Pseudoephedrine is commercially available in the form of capsules, tablets, and granules, among others. Apart from Rinoral (formerly Otrinol), these are combination products (e.g., Pretuval). Pseudoephedrine is mainly found in cold remedies.

Structure and properties

Pseudoephedrine (C10H15NO, Mr = 165.2 g/mol) is present in drugs as pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, a white crystalline powder or as colorless crystals, which are readily soluble in water. It belongs to the class of phenylpropanolamines and amphetamines. It is a stereoisomer of ephedrine, a natural ingredient from -species.

Effects

Pseudoephedrine (ATC R01BA02) has sympathomimetic properties. It causes vasoconstriction and decongestion of the mucosa by stimulating adrenoceptors, thus facilitating breathing. The half-life is between 5 to 8 hours.

Indications

Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve symptoms of rhinitis with nasal congestion, vasomotor rhinitis, hay fever, other allergy-related irritation and inflammation of the nasopharynx, and swelling of the eustachian tube.

Abuse

Pseudoephedrine, like other amphetamines, can be abused as a mildly effective stimulant. It can be used on as a precursor chemical to produce other narcotics.

Dosage

According to package insert. Pseudoephedrine can be taken regardless of meals.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity
  • Combination with MAO inhibitors
  • Severe hypertension
  • Severe alteration of the coronary arteries
  • Children under 12 years

Full precautions can be found in the drug label.

Interactions

Interactions occur with concomitant administration of MAO inhibitors, other sympathomimetics, antihypertensives, digitalis, or tricyclic antidepressants. Concomitant use of aluminum hydroxide may affect the absorption of pseudoephedrine.

Adverse effects

Possible adverse effects include dry mouth, loss of appetite, restlessness, insomnia, pulse acceleration, and palpitations.