Pseudoephedrine Pharmacology

Pseudoephedrine

About Pseudoephedrine
Alpha/Beta Adrenergic Agonist, a phenethylamine derivative, A nasal decongestant.
Mechanism of Action of Pseudoephedrine
It is a nasal decongestant with alpha-2 agonistic action. It produces local vasoconstriction, reduces blood flow, and causes shrinkage of mucosa which provides relief of nasal congestion. It reduces oedema of the nasal mucosa, thus improving ventilation, drainage and nasal stuffiness.
Pharmacokinets of Pseudoephedrine
Absorption: Well absorbed orally, Distribution: Widely distributed throughout the body, Metabolism: Partially metabolized in liver by N-demethylation, Excretion: Excreted through urine mainly as unchanged drug and also as metabolites.
Onset of Action for Pseudoephedrine
30 minutes
Duration of Action for Pseudoephedrine
4 to 8 hours
Half Life of Pseudoephedrine
N/A
Side Effects of Pseudoephedrine
1. Rise in blood pressure
2. Tachycardia
3. Arrhythmias
4. CNS stimulation
5. Restlessness
6. Insomnia
7. Anxiety
8. Tremors
9. Skin rashes
10. Urinary retention
11. Respiratory difficulties
Contra-indications of Pseudoephedrine
1. Hypersensitivity to the drug
2. Severe hypertension
3. Coronary artery disease
4. Patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or who have taken MAOIs within the previous 14 days
5. Extended release preparations are contraindicated in children below 12 years
Special Precautions while taking Pseudoephedrine
1. Hypertension
2. Cardiac diseases
3. Diabetes
4. Glaucoma
5. Prostatic hyperplasia
6. Hyperthyroidism

Pregnancy Related Information
Use with caution
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Use with caution
Indications for Pseudoephedrine
1. Nasal and Eustachian tube congestion
2.Upper respiratory tract congestion
3.Adjunctive therapy in symptomatic relief of common cold, allergic rhinitis, blocked Eustachian tube, and upper respiratory tract infections
Interactions for Pseudoephedrine
N/A
Typical Dosage for Pseudoephedrine
Oral:
Adults and children over 12 years: 60mg 3 to 4 times daily
Maximum dose: 240mg/day
Children (age 6 to 12): 30mg 3 to 4 times daily
Maximum dose: 120mg/day
Children (age 2 to 6): 15mg 3 to 4 times daily
Maximum dose: 60mg/day or 4mg/kg.

Schedule of Pseudoephedrine
N/A
Storage Requirements for Pseudoephedrine
Store at controlled room temperature at a range of 15 to 30 degree C. Keep out of reach of children
Effects of Missed Dosage of Pseudoephedrine
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose
Effects of Overdose of Pseudoephedrine
Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Over dosage and poisoning: Provide symptomatic treatment and supportive measures. Perform emesis and gastric lavage within 4 hours of ingestion. If renal function is adequate forced diuresis will increase elimination of the drug. (Do not force diuresis in severe poisoning). Monitor and assist vital signs, cardiac state and electrolyte balance. Treat cardiac toxicity with Propranolol or other effective drugs. Treat seizures with Diazepam (I.V.) and give dilute Potassium chloride solution for hypokalaemia.

Home Delivery for Pseudoephedrine in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including pseudoephedrine.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for pseudoephedrine and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for pseudoephedrine may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take pseudoephedrine only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for pseudoephedrine before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for pseudoephedrine with the pharmacy.

Pseudoephedrine is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for pseudoephedrine might be better known than pseudoephedrine itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have pseudoephedrine in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for pseudoephedrine.