What you should know about pseudoephedrine

Pseudoephedrine (SOO-doh-eff-ed-rin)

What is it? They are commonly found in nonprescription cold and allergy medicines such as Sudafed and Advil cold Sinus &, pseudoephedrine relieves stuffy nose by shrinking swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages, says John Sundy, MD, asthma and allergy specialist at Duke University Medical Center.

The Buzz: Drugs with pseudoefedrinem were moved behind the pharmacy counter in 2006, and restrictions have been introduced on how much you can buy. Why? The material can be used to make methamphetamine, a legal drug.

You need to know: If you buy a cold or allergies to drugs, and I don't understand your usual relief, it may be because the product contains phenylephrine (freely purchasable), pseudoephedrine, says Dr. Sundy. New research shows that some people with stuffy nose to get more relief from pseudoephedrine than phenylephrine.

Bottom line: Read the labels, so you know your phenyl from your pseudo and ask your pharmacist for pseudoephedrine, if you think you need it. We know that the cure slightly increases the risk of high blood pressure and maybe you will be nervous, says Dr. Sundy.

This article was first published in the magazine, October 2009.
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