Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine used for over 50 years as a nasal decongestant. Compared to ephedrine, it is slightly less toxic; for this reason, side effects and symptoms of overdose occur at higher doses.
Pseudoephedrine is contained in numerous OTC products, both as monotherapy and in combination with antihistamines, paracetamol and / or ibuprofen. Thanks to its vasoconstrictive abilities at the level of the nasal mucosa, it is useful in the presence of colds, rhinitis, sinusitis or allergies.
The vasoconstrictor action of pseudoephedrine derives mainly from the ability to stimulate the release of norepinephrine by nerve endings, whose interaction with specific receptors at the vessel level produces constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels. For this reason, hypertension represents one of its main side effects; excessive doses or a marked individual sensitivity can also cause tachycardia, nervousness, agitation, insomnia and anxiety.
The use of pseudoephedrine is contraindicated in the presence of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, prostatic hypertrophy, hyperthyroidism, pregnancy and closed-angle glaucoma.
