Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride is found in over-the-counter cold remedy preparations under various trade names, including Sudafed. It acts as a blood vessel constrictor, thereby relieving congestion. It is commonly used as a symptomatic treatment for rhinitis, including allergic rhinitis.
Unlike antihistamines, which modify systemic allergic responses, pseudoephedrine only minimizes nasal congestion commonly caused by colds or allergies. Pseudoephedrine does not cause sedation, an undesired effect of many antihistamines. In fact, one of pseudoepedrine's side effects is "excitability", as it acts as a very weak stimulant. Most OTC antihistamines are also sold as sleeping pills, just with different packaging. It can be combined with antihistamines, as in Duact, with Terfenadine.
Pseudoephedrine is an optical isomer of ephedrine. It is also somewhat chemically similar to methamphetamine, although the biological effects of methamphetamines are highly amplified. Because of pseudoephedrine's use as a primary reagent in the manufacture of methamphetamine in illicit labs, US federal law prohibits buying cold preparations containing pseudoephedrine in quantities greater than 3 packages in any 24-hour period. Individual states also have varying laws on the matter.
Pseudoephedrine Sulfate is another salt form of Pseudoephedrine used as a time release cold remedy. Found in Drixoral (120mg, lasts 12 hours).
The following contains information about pseudoephedrine that differs from official usage guidelines, and is not endorsed by the government.
While this is not an approved use, pseudoephedrine is useful as a stimulant, with effects similar to but lesser than ephedrine. It is reputedly safer than ephedrine.
Based on information gathered on the internet, pseudoephedrine may be useful to alleviate the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, acting similarly to other CNS stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine (Dexedrine).
