Pseudoephedrine

[237SJ]

Put simply, how does pseudoephedrine work. Does it constrict the blood vessels in the nose?

[Count-A-Strong]

I know you said simply but try to pick out the bones from this:
Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine. Its principal mechanism of action relies on its indirect action on the adrenergic receptor system. The vasoconstriction that pseudoephedrine produces is believed to be principally an α-adrenergic receptor response. [7]

While it may have weak or no direct agonist activity at α- and β-adrenergic receptors, the principal mechanism is to cause the release of endogenous norepinephrine (noradrenaline) from storage vesicles in presynaptic neurons. The displaced noradrenaline is released into the neuronal synapse where it is free to activate the postsynaptic adrenergic receptors. These adrenergic receptors are located on the muscles lining the walls of blood vessels. When these receptors are activated by noradrenaline, the muscles contract, causing the blood vessels to constrict (vasoconstriction). The constricted blood vessels now allow less fluid to leave the blood vessels and enter the nose, throat and sinus linings, which results in decreased inflammation of nasal membranes as well as decreased mucus production. Thus, by constriction of blood vessels, mainly those located in the nasal passages, pseudoephedrine causes a decrease in the symptoms of nasal congestion.

[237SJ]

So it does then! Thought so

[J9PUR]

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that works by stimulating receptors on the blood vessels in the lining of the nose and sinuses. These receptors are known as alpha receptors. When stimulated by pseudoephedrine they cause the blood vessels to narrow. This decreases the amount of fluid that can travel through these blood vessels and means that less fluid is pushed out into the linings of the nose and sinuses. This reduces the production of mucous, and relieves a blocked nose (nasal congestion) caused by the allergic reaction.

[237SJ]

Thanks god for Sudafed. That`s all I can say.

[Count-A-Strong]

Pharmacists should ask proposed pseudoephedrine buyers about the extent of nasal congestion and accompanying symptoms to ensure that sales are valid. They should ask about the duration of nasal congestion. If it is in excess of one week, the "patient" should be denied the product since a physician referral is indicated.

Pseudoephedrine/Triprolidine is an antihistamine and decongestant combination. Long-term use can cause RM(rhinitis medicamentosa)i.e rebound nasal congestion. The possible other side effects include palpitations, anxiety, nervousness, weakness, fever , chills,hallucinations,seizures,severe dizziness and drowsiness and easy bruising.

[237SJ]

The pharmacist has only ever asked me if I`ve used it before. I have used it for longer than a week before with no ill effects. The only thing I notice with it is a dry mouth. I`ve got Sudafed nasal spray as well and that`s the one that can damage the nose. I wouldn`t use it for more than a few days. I`m weaning myself off it today. It works so quickly (in about 30 seconds). Brilliant stuff but you do have to be careful with it.

[Sqad]

Pseudo means false........ ephedrine is exactly what it says .
It acts exactly the same on blood vessels as does ephedrine.
It contracts blood vessels reduces blood flow and eases nasal congestion (blockage?

[Hopkirk]

In my experience it has no effect whatsoever.

A total waste of money.

[boxtops]

Am i right that you have to be careful in using it if you have high blood pressure (because of its constricting effect on the blood vessels)?

[Sqad]

Boxy...as a spray.....no big deal on your BP
By mouth, there may well be a slight drug interaction.

[Sqad]

Hopy......for what condition did you use it and was it by mouth (tablets) or spray?

[boxtops]

Ah, that explains - I used to take a liquid for catarrh, now I use a spray prn.

[237SJ]

Well, both work for me. I`ve had an on-off virus for 3 weeks which has become a sinus infection twice. If it wasn`t for the spray I would never have slept at night and as I was on holiday, that would have been spoiled as well. I`m now on the tablets which I`m using to clear the last of it. Obviously it won`t kill the infection but it definitely clears the sinuses. There are other Sudafed combinations I think but I like the original pseudoephedrine one.

[ilovemarkb]

we were only allowed to sell 12 tablets as drug users convert it to crystal meths !!