Side effects of pseudoephedrine

Pseudoephedrine is a drug that relieves symptoms of stuffy nose. It directly stimulates sympathetic receptors in the nasal mucosa to constrict blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, and relieves nasal congestion symptoms caused by colds and various diseases of the upper respiratory tract. In addition, the sympathetic nerve excitement, the relaxation of the bronchial muscles, increase the heart rate, and strengthen the contractile power of the heart.

Although pseudoephedrine relieves symptoms, it does not cure the cause of the symptoms or speed up recovery. Pseudoephedrine belongs to the group of nasal decongestants and works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal cavity.

It cannot be administered to patients with cardiovascular disease (ischemic heart disease, obstructive vascular disease, hypertension, etc.), severe coronary artery disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, angle-closure glaucoma, pheochromocytoma, and severe renal impairment. It cannot be administered to a patient who is taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or has stopped taking it within 2 weeks, nor can it be administered to a nursing mother.

Common side effects of pseudoephedrine include anger, nervousness, irritability, insomnia and muscle tremors (especially in the hands). Hypersensitivity can lead to epidermal detachment accompanied by fever, stiffness, and scarlet fever rash. It can cause disseminated intravascular coagulation and hyperglycemia. If administered in combination with a sympathetic stimulant drug, the action may increase, so it must be administered carefully.