Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic with a mixed mechanism of action, direct and indirect . It indirectly stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors, causing the release of en- dogenous norepinephrine (NE) from the granularity of neurons, while it directly stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors [11–13].
How does pseudoephedrine work?
Pseudoephedrine works by reducing the swelling of blood vessels in your nose . This helps mucus and air flow more freely in the cavities in your nose (sinuses), helping you to breathe more easily. Pseudoephedrine starts to work in 15 to 30 minutes, but you should feel a lot better after 30 to 60 minutes.
What receptors does pseudoephedrine work?
Pseudoephedrine acts mainly as an agonist of alpha adrenergic receptors 6 and less strongly as an agonist of beta adrenergic receptors. [A10896] This agonism of adrenergic receptors produces vasoconstriction which is used as a decongestant 2 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 and as a treatment of priapism.
How does pseudoephedrine work as a stimulant?
How it works. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that constricts (shrinks) dilated blood vessels within the nose, relieving congestion. It causes vasoconstriction by stimulating primarily alpha-adrenergic receptors . It also has weak activity at beta-adrenergic receptors.
What does pseudoephedrine do to the brain?
When using pseudoephedrine you may be sleeping more soundly at night and that is directly associated with improved thinking and memory. There are many others, though, who find the nervousness caused by pseudoephedrine causes them to lose sleep resulting in a ‘foggy brain’.
Will pseudoephedrine keep me awake?
Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine) relieves stuffy nose, but it could keep you up at night .
Can pseudoephedrine make you fail drug test?
For example, the commonly used decongestants pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine share similar structural characteristics with amphetamines, and cross-reactivity with screenings has been documented. A case report linked the use of intravenous (IV) phenylephrine to a false positive amphetamine screening.
What are 3 adverse effects to Sudafed?
Nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, dizziness, headache, or nervousness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor promptly if you have dizziness, nervousness, or trouble sleeping.
What is the difference between ephedrine and pseudoephedrine?
By convention, the pair of enantiomers with the stereochemistry (1R,2S) and (1S,2R) is designated ephedrine, while the pair of enantiomers with the stereochemistry (1R,2R) and (1S,2S) is called pseudoephedrine. Ephedrine is a substituted amphetamine and a structural methamphetamine analogue.
Why pseudoephedrine is banned?
Background. Pseudoephedrine (PSE), a sympathomimetic drug, commonly used in nasal decongestants, is currently banned in sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), as its stimulant activity is claimed to enhance performance . This meta-analysis described the effects of PSE on factors relating to sport performance.
Does pseudoephedrine make you feel good?
Pseudoephedrine can cause a sense of euphoria. It causes a pleasant feeling in the body of the user . Many of the individuals who use this substance frequently do so because of these pleasurable effects. So, it can be hard for individuals to stop using the substance.
How long does 30 mg of pseudoephedrine stay in your system?
A small amount is metabolized in the liver and also excreted in the urine. The half-life of pseudoephedrine is between 5 and 8 hours , though the more acidic the urine, the lower the half-life.
Does pseudoephedrine increase dopamine?
The suggested mechanism by which pseudoephedrine may improve performance is the reduction of an individuals perceived exertion, occuring in response to an increase in dopamine (Hodges et al. 2006).
Is pseudoephedrine make you sleepy?
Decongestants. Since the main symptom of a cold is congestion in your nose and/or chest, cold medicines usually contain a decongestant ingredient. Examples include phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine. These typically do not cause drowsiness and can make some people feel hyper or more alert.
Who should not take pseudoephedrine?
high blood pressure . significant uncontrolled high blood pressure . severe disease of the arteries of the heart . enlarged prostate .
What is better pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine?
Studies have shown that pseudoephedrine is a much more effective decongestant than phenylephrine . Phenylephrine’s decongestant effects may not be significantly different from that of a placebo. The effects of both drugs may be augmented with concurrent use of other products that affect rhinitis, such as antihistamines.
