Knowra Pseudoephedrine Pseudoephedrine Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug that relieves nasal congestion by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages. It is an orally active stereoisomer of ephedrine.
Norepinephrine : A catecholamine that acts as a neurotransmitter and hormone, activating adrenergic receptors. Pseudoephedrine increases norepinephrine signaling, which narrows nasal blood vessels.
Common cold : A usually mild viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Pseudoephedrine can temporarily relieve nasal stuffiness during a cold, but does not treat the infection.
Oral administration : Delivery of a drug through the mouth for absorption in the digestive tract. Pseudoephedrine is commonly taken by mouth and produces systemic effects after absorption.
Oxymetazoline : A topical alpha-adrenergic agonist used as a nasal decongestant. Unlike oral pseudoephedrine, it is applied locally but can cause rebound congestion with prolonged use.
Insomnia : Persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or obtaining restorative sleep. Pseudoephedrine’s stimulant-like effects can disrupt sleep, especially when taken later in the day.
Adrenergic receptor : A cell-surface receptor activated by epinephrine or norepinephrine. These receptors mediate the vascular response to pseudoephedrine’s sympathomimetic activity.
Allergic rhinitis : Inflammation of the nasal lining caused by an allergic response to airborne substances. Its vascular decongestant effect can ease nasal obstruction from allergic rhinitis.
Pharmacokinetics : The study of how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and eliminates drugs. Absorption and elimination help explain pseudoephedrine’s onset and duration.
Antihistamine : A drug that blocks histamine receptors or reduces histamine-mediated effects. Antihistamines target allergy symptoms through a different mechanism and may be combined with pseudoephedrine.
Tachycardia : A heart rate faster than the normal resting range. Adrenergic stimulation can increase heart rate in some people taking pseudoephedrine.
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