Pseudoephedrine – action, use, contraindications, side effects. Pseudoephedrine interactions

Proven content

Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies and hay fever. It is also used to temporarily relieve sinus congestion. However, pseudoephedrine relieves symptoms but does not treat the cause of the symptoms or speed up recovery. Pseudoephedrine belongs to a class of drugs called decongestants.

Pseudoephedrine – action

Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug that affects the sympathetic nervous system directly and indirectly. It has an agonist effect on α and β-adrenergic receptors. Pseudoephedrine causes the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa to contract, it reduces the blood volume and also reduces the volume of the nasal mucosa. Due to the fact that the blood vessels are constricted, less fluid penetrates into the mucous membranes of the nose and sinuses, which in turn causes less secretion and less inflammation of the nasal mucosa. It should be added that pseudoephedrine also affects bronchodilation.

Pseudoephedrine is a synthetic analogue of ephedrine and has a much weaker central nervous system (CNS) stimulant effect. It also carries a lower risk of tachycardia.

See also: What is nasal obstruction?

Pseudoephedrine – use

The most common indication for pseudoephedrine is a decongestant for conditions such as nasal congestion, sinus congestion and eustachian tube congestion. It works by constricting the swollen membranes of the nose, reducing swelling (tissue swelling) and congestion (increased blood flow to the tissues in the nose).

You can take pseudoephedrine if you:

1. we have a runny nose, nasal congestion, sinus congestion or severe allergic symptoms.
2. we are healthy and have never had an allergic reaction to pseudoephedrine or any other medicine containing pseudoephedrine.

If you have health problems, take other medications regularly, or are pregnant, consult your doctor and pharmacist before taking pseudoephedrine. Preparations with pseudoephedrine are indicated for people over 12 years of age. A maximum of 3-4 tablets can be taken per day, and in children the treatment should last up to 4 days.

See also: How do I blow off my nose?

Pseudoephedrine – contraindications

The main contraindications for pseudoephedrine are severe hypertension and severe ischemic heart disease.

In addition, when using pseudoephedrine, care should be taken by people suffering from:

1. hyperthyroidism;
2. diabetes;
3. hypertension;
4. severe liver dysfunction;
5. ischemic heart disease;
6. kidney problems.

It is very important not to take pseudoephedrine together with furazolidone, an antibacterial medicine. The situation is similar with MAO inhibitors, i.e. monoamine oxidase inhibitors, drugs used in atypical depression and Parkinson’s disease. They cannot be used together with pseudoephedrine and in the last 14 days after taking it.

Prolonged-release pseudoephedrine should not be used under 12 years of age. Pseudoephedrine should also not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding when the benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. The use of this type of substance should always be consulted with a doctor beforehand, because pseudoephedrine passes into breast milk.

Pseudoephedrine should not be combined with alcohol.

See also: Symptoms of a sick liver – how to recognize? [WE EXPLAIN]

Pseudoephedrine – side effects

Pseudoephedrine is also classified as an alpha-adrenergic and beta-adrenergic agonist. Alpha and beta refer to the types of nerve receptors that control smooth muscle contraction, such as those in blood vessels. By activating these receptors, pseudoephedrine causes the blood vessels to constrict.

Since these receptors are not only found in the nasal passages, pseudoephedrine can constrict other smooth muscles, stimulate the heart rate and slow parts of the digestive tract.

Common side effects include:

1. anxiety;
2. nausea;
3. weakness;
4. Headache;
5. insomnia;
6. difficulty urinating;
7. trembling;
8. seizures;
9. rash and itching.

When overused, pseudoephedrine can cause vomiting, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), shortness of breath, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), bradycardia (slow heartbeat), seizures and hallucinations.

Let’s see a doctor or seek help if any of these symptoms occur.

Pseudoephedrine – drug interactions

Note that pseudoephedrine may interact with other medications.

For example, pseudoephedrine in combination with other drugs from the sympathomimetic group increases their effect. It also causes an increase in blood pressure when used together with tricyclic antidepressants, with MAO inhibitors and sympathomimetics. When combined with digitalis glycosides, cardiac arrhythmias may occur. It is also worth remembering that antacids lead to an increase in the absorption of pseudoephedrine.

In addition, the properties of pseudoephedrine to reverse the blood pressure lowering effects of drugs such as methyldopa, bretylium, betanidine, guanethidine, debrisoquine and alpha and beta-adrenergic blockers.

See also: Digitalis glycoside poisoning

Pseudoefedryna — preparaty

Pseudoephedrine can be present as a single therapeutic ingredient or in combined preparations. It is combined with antihistamines such as loratadine or cetirizine. In addition, pseudoephedrine is often found in multi-component cold remedies, including ibuprofen, paracetamol, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, chlorphenamine and acetylsalicylic acid.

Pseudoephedrine – restrictions

According to the ordinance of the Minister of Health on the list of psychoactive substances and the maximum level of their content in a medicinal product, which is a limitation in dispensing medicinal products as part of a single sale of December 16, 2016, a person dispensing a medicinal product containing pseudoephedrine will be able to spend a total of 720 mg of this substances.

In the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction, this was justified by the fact that pseudoephedrine works in a manner similar to amphetamines. This substance stimulates the CNS, can cause psychological addiction and is one of the precursors of methamphetamine.

Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.