Why pseudoephedrine works

Some healthcare providers have prescribed pseudoephedrine to treat fluid in the ear , but the effectiveness of this application is generally poor. You should note that Sudafed PE is actually made with phenylephrine, which is similar to, but not the same as pseudoephedrine.

The most common indication for pseudoephedrine is as a decongestant, for conditions such as nasal congestion, sinus congestion, and eustachian tube congestion. It works by shrinking swollen nasal membranes, reducing edema tissue swelling and hyperemia increased blood flow to nasal tissues.

You can take pseudoephedrine if:. If you have health problems, take other medications on a regular basis, or if you are pregnant, you should check with your healthcare provider and pharmacist before taking pseudoephedrine.

Pseudoephedrine comes in different forms, including tablets, extended-release tablets, and liquid. It is available over-the-counter in both children and adult formulas, so make sure that the formula you buy is age-appropriate. Extended-release tablets should never be cut, crushed or chewed. Follow the directions on the bottle carefully before giving or taking pseudoephedrine, and contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist with any questions.

Pseudoephedrine is also classified as an alpha-adrenoceptor and beta-adrenoceptor agonist. Alpha and beta refer to the types of nerve receptors that control the constriction of smooth muscles, such as those in blood vessels. By activating these receptors, pseudoephedrine causes vasoconstriction the narrowing of blood vessels. Because these receptors are not only located in nasal passages, pseudoephedrine can cause the constriction of other smooth muscles, stimulates the heart rate, and slows parts of the digestive tract.

If overused, pseudoephedrine can cause vomiting, arrhythmia irregular heartbeat , dyspnea shortness of breath , tachycardia rapid heartbeat , bradycardia slow heartbeat , seizures, and hallucinations. Call your healthcare provider or seek emergency care if you experience any of these symptoms. Pseudoephedrine is contraindicated for use in certain people in whom treatment may pose health risks.

It should never be used if:. Notify your healthcare provider and pharmacist if you have any of these conditions. On March 9, , President George W.

Pseudoephedrine can be chemically altered to make methamphetamine. These can then be swallowed, inhaled, injected, or smoked to get the stimulant high.

Under the law, you do not need a prescription to purchase pseudoephedrine. However, you must present a driver's license or other government-issued ID to register and track the purchase. This medication is also sometimes used to prevent ear pain and blockage caused by pressure changes during air travel or underwater diving. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Foods and drinks that contain large amounts of caffeine can make the side effects of pseudoephedrine worse. This medication is usually taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take pseudoephedrine regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Pseudoephedrine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture not in the bathroom. Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them.

However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at If you are taking the hour extended-release tablets, you may notice something that looks like a tablet in your stool.

This is just the empty tablet shell, and this does not mean that you did not get your complete dose of medication. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.

You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Federal law generally requires that prescription drugs in the U. Generic alternatives may be available. Pseudoephedrine pronounced as soo doe e fed' rin. You may know pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine from their use in Sudafed products.

Sudafed contains pseudoephedrine, while Sudafed PE contains phenylephrine. The drugs are also available in several combinations with other over-the-counter cough and cold medications. These drugs are both nasal decongestants.

The chart below is a quick snapshot of some of the basic information for pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. However, the illegal methamphetamine that it can be used to make is highly addictive. You can walk into any pharmacy and buy phenylephrine off the shelf like you would for any other purchase. But for pseudoephedrine, there are special requirements. To get it, you have to buy it from the pharmacy staff, not off the shelf. The reason for these requirements is that pseudoephedrine is used to make illegal methamphetamine, which is highly addictive.

These rules help prevent people from buying products that contain pseudoephedrine to make methamphetamine. Studies in and found pseudoephedrine to be more effective than phenylephrine in the treatment of nasal congestion.

Both pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can cause side effects. Call your doctor if you have any serious side effects when using these drugs. Rebound congestion congestion that occurs from overuse of nasal decongestants may also develop if nasal phenylephrine is used more times in one day or for more days than indicated on the label.

An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

This can help your doctor prevent possible interactions. One class of drugs that is known to interact with both pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine is monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs.