Pseudoephedrine

Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine commonly used as a decongestant. The salts pseudoephedrine hydrochloride and pseudoephedrine sulfate are found in many over-the-counter preparations either as single-ingredient preparations, or more commonly in combination with antihistamines and/or paracetamol/ibuprofen.

Clinical use

By acting on α-adrenergic receptors in the mucosa of the respiratory tract, pseudoephedrine produces vasoconstriction, which shrinks swollen nasal mucous membranes; reduces tissue hyperaemia, edema, and nasal congestion. Other beneficial effects may include increasing the drainage of sinus secretions, and opening of obstructed Eustachian tubes.

Related Topics:
Vasoconstriction - Hyperaemia - Edema - Sinus - Eustachian tube

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Pseudoephedrine is thus indicated for:

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• nasal congestion,
• sinus congestion,
• Eustachian tube congestion. (Bicopoulos, 2002)

Pseudoephedrine is also indicated for vasomotor rhinitis, and as an adjunct to other agents in the optimum treatment of allergic rhinitis, croup, sinusitis, otitis media, and tracheobronchitis. (Bicopoulos, 2002)

Related Topics:
Vasomotor rhinitis - Allergic rhinitis - Croup - Sinusitis - Otitis media - Tracheobronchitis

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Pseudoephedrine is also used as first-line therapy of priapism. Erection is largely a parasympathetic response, so the sympathetic action of pseudoephedrine may serve to relieve this condition.

Related Topics:
Priapism - Erection - Parasympathetic

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