Pill of the Month

December 2006- Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride or Pseudoephedrine Sulfate (Sudafed, Claritin-D, Mucinex-D)

Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride or Pseudoephedrine Sulfate
Brand Names: Sudafed, Claritin-D, Mucinex-D

Proper Usage: Nasal congestion, Sinus congestion

How it works: Pseudoephedrine works to displace noradrenaline from
storage vesicles in presynaptic neurons. This causes vasoconstriction
in the nasal mucosa that shrinks swollen nasal mucous membranes and
reduces tissue hyperemia, oedema and nasal congestion. It also serves
to open obstructed Eustachian tubes and to drain sinus secretions.

Possible Side Effects:
· CNS stimulation
· Sleepiness
· Nervousness.
· Excitability
· Dizziness
· Insomnia

Pseudoephedrine is occasionally associated with hallucinations, hypertension,
seizures, arrhythmias and ischemic colitis.

Misusage:
Although many nasal decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine are
still OTC (over-the-counter), retailers now instill corporate policies
that restrict the sale of pseudoephedrine products due to common
misusage. Most significantly, pseudoephedrine is a precursor to the
illegal manufacture of methamphetamine. Pseudoephedrine has also been
used as a stimulant to increase alertness.

Source: www.wikipedia.org
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