Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine (pronounced: soo-doh-ef-uh-dreen) is a pharmaceutical drug used primarily as a decongestant. It is derived from the ephedra plant and is a stereoisomer of ephedrine.
Etymology
The term "pseudoephedrine" is derived from the Greek word "pseudo", meaning false, and "ephedrine", which is from the plant Ephedra. The "pseudo" prefix is used because pseudoephedrine is a stereoisomer of ephedrine, meaning it has the same molecular formula but a different structural configuration.
Uses
Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve nasal or sinus congestion caused by the common cold, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. It can also be used to relieve ear congestion caused by ear inflammation or Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Mechanism of Action
Pseudoephedrine works by causing the blood vessels in the nasal passages to narrow, reducing blood flow and thus decreasing swelling and congestion. It does this by stimulating the adrenergic receptors on the surface of the cells in the nasal passages.
Related Terms
- Ephedrine: A medication and stimulant derived from the Ephedra plant, of which pseudoephedrine is a stereoisomer.
- Decongestant: A type of medication that reduces swelling and congestion in the nasal passages.
- Adrenergic receptor: A type of protein on the surface of cells that responds to adrenaline.
Side Effects
Common side effects of pseudoephedrine include nervousness, restlessness, excitability, dizziness, headache, fear, anxiety, and possibly palpitations. More serious side effects may include difficulty breathing, hallucinations, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pseudoephedrine
- Wikipedia's article - Pseudoephedrine
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