why is the patient taking pseudoephedrine hydrochloride course hero

by Dr. Bethany Hilpert Jr. 5 min read

What is pseudoephedrine used to treat?

The patient is taking pseudoephedrine because he has a sinus infection . Pseudoephedrine is being used as a nasal decongestant . The drug acts directly on α-adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucosa , producing vasoconstriction .

How effective is pseudoephedrine for sinus infection?

Nov 05, 2016 · Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride is a nasal decongestant that the patient is taking for his medical history of sinus infections. The medication acts on the alpha- adrenergic receptors of the respiratory tract. Vasoconstriction results, which acts on the mucous …

How does pseudoephedrine cause vasoconstriction?

Jul 29, 2017 · Identify six risk factors for hypertension in this patient’s history. Question 2. Why is the patient taking hydrochlorothiazide and what is the primary pharmacologic mechanism of action of the drug? Question 3. Why is the patient taking pseudoephedrine hydrochloride and …

What are the side effects of pseudoephedrine?

Nov 23, 2020 · Pseudoephedrine acts on alpha-adrenergic receptors in the mucosa of the respiratory tract, producing vasoconstriction. The medication shrinks swollen nasal mucous …

What is Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride used for?

Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve nasal or sinus congestion caused by the common cold, sinusitis, and hay fever and other respiratory allergies. It is also used to relieve ear congestion caused by ear inflammation or infection. Some of these preparations are available only with your doctor's prescription.Feb 1, 2022

What is the primary pharmacologic mechanism of action of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride?

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug belonging to the phenethylamine and amphetamine chemical classes. Its principal mechanism of action depends on its effects on the adrenergic receptor system, causing vasoconstriction.
Nov 25, 2017

What are 3 teaching points for pseudoephedrine?

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. You may need to shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup.

What are the contraindications of pseudoephedrine?

The following conditions are contraindicated with this drug.
...
Conditions:
  • overactive thyroid gland.
  • diabetes.
  • closed angle glaucoma.
  • high blood pressure.
  • significant uncontrolled high blood pressure.
  • severe disease of the arteries of the heart.
  • enlarged prostate.
  • an inability to completely empty the bladder.

What functional groups are in pseudoephedrine?

Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine also contain the hydroxyl functional group. They differ only in the special orientation of the –OH group and both are used to treat symptoms of hay fever, asthma, and nasal congestion.Aug 26, 2011

What is pseudoephedrine sulfate?

Pseudoephedrine is used for the temporary relief of stuffy nose and sinus pain/pressure caused by infection (such as the common cold, flu) or other breathing illnesses (such as hay fever, allergies, bronchitis). Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant (sympathomimetic).

What is difference between pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine?

Phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are both adrenergic agonists. Phenylephrine has primarily an affinity to only alpha-adrenergic receptors, while pseudoephedrine has an affinity to both alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors. Their side effect profiles are very similar.Feb 25, 2020

Is pseudoephedrine hydrochloride a controlled substance?

Several states, including Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas, classify pseudoephedrine as a Schedule V controlled substance. Oregon and Mississippi have classified it as Schedule III. In the near future, more states are likely make pseudoephedrine prescription only.Jul 10, 2015

How does pseudoephedrine work?

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.

Does pseudoephedrine help with colds?

Pseudoephedrine only provides symptom relief, it does not cure a cold. Take with a full glass of water. Chew the chewable tablet before swallowing. Shake the oral suspension well before measuring out the correct dose. Always use a proper measuring spoon or dropper to ensure you are getting the correct dose.

Is pseudoephedrine a sympathomimetic?

It is chemically related to ephedrine, but with less central nervous system activity (fewer effects on the brain). Pseudoephed rine belongs to the class of medicines known as nasal decongestants. It may also be called a sympathomimetic. 2.

Can you take pseudoephedrine while pregnant?

Do not use pseudoephedrine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless under a doctor's advice. May interact with some other medications including monoamine oxidase inhibitors, blood pressure medications, beta-blockers, and antidepressants. Not suitable for children under four.

Can you give a child pseudoephedrine?

Pseudoephedrine must never be given to children under the age of four. Call your doctor if your symptoms have not improved within seven days of treatment, or if you develop a fast, pounding or uneven heartbeat, severe dizziness or anxiety, severe headache, an allergic-type reaction, fever, or rash.

What is the name of the medication that is used to treat migraines?

methylene blue. methylphenidate. migraine medications, such as dihydroergotamine or ergotamine. monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine, isocarboxazid, or selegiline (allow at least two weeks to elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI and initiation of pseudoephedrine) oxybutynin. orphenadrine.

What are the side effects of taking a syringe?

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Sleep disturbances, restlessness, rash or itching, loss of appetite, feeling of warmth or redness under the skin.

What is pseudoephedrine used for?

What is Pseudoephedrine? Pseudoephedrine is a drug that has been most commonly used as an ingredient in the previously over-the-counter medication, Sudafed, which is used as a nasal decongestant. Pseudoephedrine is present in some medications without a prescription, and it is available in drugstores behind the pharmacy counter.

What are the side effects of pseudoephedrine?

Side effects from typical pseudoephedrine use can include: 1 Urinary retention 2 Insomnia 3 Nervousness or anxiety 4 Dizziness 5 Excitability

Can you buy pseudoephedrine without a prescription?

Pseudoephedrine was previously sold on the shelves at most drugstores. Consumers can still buy products with pseudoephedrine in them without a prescription; however, due to the increased use of the medication as an illicit ingredient for the manufacture of methamphetamines, pseudoephedrine is now kept behind pharmacy counters, ...

Does pseudoephedrine help with nasal congestion?

When used as intended, pseudoephedrine is considered safe and effective for combating nasal congestion, and it can relieve symptoms associated with swollen nasal passages and mucus buildup, such as pain and difficulty breathing. The medication works by shrinking the swollen tissue of the nasal passageway and allowing mucus buildup to drain out.

Can you overdose on pseudoephedrine?

People who intentionally ingest more that the recommended amount of pseudoephedrine may be at risk for overdose. Read the instructions on the box and take the recommended dosage only or consult your doctor to determine a safe dose.

Can pseudoephedrine be used to make meth?

Pseudoephedrine can be misused as an ingredient for the illicit manufacture of methamphetamines. In 2005, the FDA created the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act, which banned over-the-counter sales of cold medicines that included the ingredient pseudoephedrine, requiring them to be sold behind the counter. The act also required consumers ...

Can methamphetamine be abused?

Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that can be highly addictive and easily abused. People who abuse methamphetamines take the drug by inhaling or smoking it, swallowing it in pill form, snorting crushed or powder forms of the drug, or injecting powder that has been dissolved in water.

What is pseudoephedrine used for?

Expand Section. Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies, and hay fever. It is also used to temporarily relieve sinus congestion and pressure. Pseudoephedrine will relieve symptoms but will not treat the cause of the symptoms or speed recovery.

What are the side effects of pseudoephedrine?

Pseudoephedrine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: 1 restlessness 2 nausea 3 vomiting 4 weakness 5 headache

What are the side effects of a syringe?

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: 1 nervousness 2 dizziness 3 difficulty sleeping 4 stomach pain 5 difficulty breathing 6 fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

Does pseudoephedrine help with sinus congestion?

It is also used to temporarily relieve sinus congestion and pressure. Pseudoephedrine will relieve symptoms but will not treat the cause of the symptoms or speed recovery. Pseudoephedrine is in a class of medications called nasal decongestants. It works by causing narrowing of the blood vessels in the nasal passages.

How old do you have to be to take pseudoephedrine?

Do not give pseudoephedrine extended-release tablets to children younger than 12 years of age. If you are giving pseudoephedrine or a combination product that contains pseudoephedrine to a child, read the package label carefully to be sure that it is the right product for a child of that age.

Can you take pseudoephedrine twice?

If your doctor has told you to take pseudoephedrine regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Is Zyrtec D approved by the FDA?

Zyrtec-D ® (containing Cetirizine, Pseudoephedrine) § These products are not currently approved by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, and quality. Federal law generally requires that prescription drugs in the U.S. be shown to be both safe and effective prior to marketing.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

What is pseudoephedrine used for?

Pseudoephedrine is a powerful medication for the treatment of congestion and occasionally for the treatment of cough as it helps open the airways. But it also has more complicated and devious uses. Lesson. Quiz.

Is pseudoephedrine a stimulant?

Pseudoephedrine is a stimulant medication that belongs to the amphetamine family, and is considered a potential drug of abuse. A stimulant is a substance that causes increased alertness and energy for a short period of time. Caffeine is an example of a common stimulant. Cocaine is another example of a stimulant, although a much more dangerous one.

What happens if you overdose on a drug?

A patient who has overdosed may experience an irregular heart rhythm, heart attack, hallucinations, psychosis, ataxia, stroke, hypertension, or death. Any suspected overdose or adverse effects from taking the medication should be managed at a hospital.

What is Megan's degree?

Megan has a master's degree in nursing and is a board certified Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. Her area of clinical focus is the impact of infectious disease on pregnancy. She has experience teaching college allied health classes.

What is a stimulant?

A stimulant is a substance that causes increased alertness and energy for a short period of time. Caffeine is an example of a common stimulant. Cocaine is another example of a stimulant, although a much more dangerous one. It can cause feelings of: Increased energy. Excitability.

Is caffeine a stimulant?

Caffeine is an example of a common stimulant. Coca ine is another example of a stimulant, although a much more dangerous one. It can cause feelings of: Generally, pseudoephedrine misuse does not result in dependency, and withdraw symptoms are very uncommon. It's highly unlikely this woman is a pseudoephedrine addict.

Does pseudoephedrine cause heart rate to increase?

However, it can also cause decreased appetite, increased blood pressure, and increased heart rate. Few cases of true pseudoephedrine addiction have been documented, so it can continue to be used for its intended purposes with little concern for addiction.

How It Works

  1. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that constricts (shrinks) dilated blood vessels within the nose, relieving congestion.
  2. It causes vasoconstriction by stimulating primarily alpha-adrenergic receptors. It also has weak activity at beta-adrenergic receptors. It is chemically related to ephedrine, but with less central...
  1. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that constricts (shrinks) dilated blood vessels within the nose, relieving congestion.
  2. It causes vasoconstriction by stimulating primarily alpha-adrenergic receptors. It also has weak activity at beta-adrenergic receptors. It is chemically related to ephedrine, but with less central...
  3. Pseudoephedrine belongs to the class of medicines known as nasal decongestants. It may also be called a sympathomimetic.

Upsides

  1. May be used to treat nasal congestion, sinus congestion, and other respiratory conditions. Tablets, chewable tablets, liquid and nasal preparations of pseudoephedrine effectively treat nasal and si...
  2. May be given to prevent otitic barotrauma (ear pain due to rapid changes in air pressure) in air travelers (one 120mg extended-release tablet should be taken 30 minutes before departure) …
  1. May be used to treat nasal congestion, sinus congestion, and other respiratory conditions. Tablets, chewable tablets, liquid and nasal preparations of pseudoephedrine effectively treat nasal and si...
  2. May be given to prevent otitic barotrauma (ear pain due to rapid changes in air pressure) in air travelers (one 120mg extended-release tablet should be taken 30 minutes before departure) and divers...
  3. Significantly more effective as a decongestant than phenylephrine.
  4. May be used in addition to pain relievers, antihistamines, cough suppressants, expectorants, or antibiotics.

Downsides

  • If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Sleep disturbances, restlessness, rash or itching, loss of appetite, feeling of warmth or redness under the skin. 2. May not be suitable for some people including those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabete…
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Bottom Line

  • Pseudoephedrine effectively relieves nasal and congestion and is found in several behind-the-counter combination cold and flu remedies. Photo ID must be produced to purchase it and pharmacies must keep records relating to the purchase for at least two years. Sleeplessness is a common side effect.sinus
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Tips

  1. Use as directed for short periods only (no more than seven days). Pseudoephedrine only provides symptom relief, it does not cure a cold.
  2. Take with a full glass of water.
  3. Chew the chewable tablet before swallowing. Shake the oral suspension well before measuring out the correct dose. Always use a proper measuring spoon or dropper to ensure …
  1. Use as directed for short periods only (no more than seven days). Pseudoephedrine only provides symptom relief, it does not cure a cold.
  2. Take with a full glass of water.
  3. Chew the chewable tablet before swallowing. Shake the oral suspension well before measuring out the correct dose. Always use a proper measuring spoon or dropper to ensure you are getting the correc...
  4. Do not give pseudoephedrine to children without talking to a doctor first. Pseudoephedrine must never be given to children under the age of four.

Response and Effectiveness

  1. The decongestant effect of pseudoephedrine is noticeable within 30 minutes of oral administration and reaches a peak within one to two hours. One immediate-release tablet of pseudoephedrine lasts a...
  2. Single doses of 60mg pseudoephedrine are effective at relieving congestion.
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Interactions

  • Medicines that interact with pseudoephedrine may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with pseudoephedrine. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions sh…
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Further Information

  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use pseudoephedrine only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: June 24, 2021. Medica…
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