Ephedrine vs Pseudoephedrine
 | Ephedrine |  | Pseudoephedrine |  |
| Ma huang/ephedra and ephedrine have been used for breathing problems, asthma, and nasal swelling/congestion caused by a cold or allergies. Ephedrine is available in the US as a nonprescription medication for relief of breathing problems. It is rarely used because there are safer and more effective medications (e.g., albuterol, pseudoephedrine). Ma huang/ephedra is an herbal/dietary supplement that was banned by the US FDA in 2004 because it has an unreasonable risk with little proven benefit. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Ephedrine is the active ingredient in ephedra/ma huang. It belongs to a class of medications called sympathomimetics. It works like a naturally occurring substance (adrenaline) that your body makes when it thinks it is in danger. It is a central nervous system stimulant that increases your heart rate/blood pressure, narrows your blood vessels (vasoconstriction), and opens up the lungs (bronchodilation). Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. The amount of medication may be very different between products. Check with your pharmacist for more details about the particular brand you use. | 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). It works by narrowing the blood vessels to decrease swelling and congestion. If you are self-treating with this medication, it is important to read the manufacturer's package instructions carefully so you know when to consult your doctor or pharmacist. (See also Precautions section.) Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Do not use this product in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Long-acting tablets/capsules are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely. These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold and may cause serious side effects. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not use this product to make a child sleepy. Do not give other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar decongestants (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray). OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional. Your doctor may direct you to use pseudoephedrine to decrease pain and swelling in the ear or to help "open up" the ear canal when there is a change in air pressure (such as during air travel, underwater diving). Follow your doctor's directions carefully. | |||
Alternatives
Reviews
| Add Ephedrine review My doctor and family recommended this to me for my severe allergies and lack of endurance. It clears my stuffy and runny nose instantaneously and the long lasting extra energy makes this a great starter for those long summer days. It slightly hinders my ability to sleep, and I occasionally experience short dizzy spells, though only while directly under the drug's influence. I have taken ephedrine hcl for 25 plus years. They say there is no miracle pill for weight loss and management, but for me it is ephedrine hcl and now it is getting very scarce to find!! Haven't taken any in 8 months and I have gained 10 lbs.!! I just wish it was easier to purchase!! It was my miracle drug. I could eat anything I wanted and never gain a pound!!!! I took this drug for weight loss and to help with studying for college. When taking any supplements that you may build a tollerane to, you should take some time off from taking it when you begin to build a tollerance. Any supplement can be addictive so if you have an addictive personallity don't take it. It's a wonderful supplement that I take off an on for college and or to control my weight. Drink plenty of water and take in moderation. | Add Pseudoephedrine review Asked a Walgreen pharamacist for sinus relief...a problem that indicated molar pain. X-rays with my dentist eliminated dental problems. After 24 hour Sudafed treatment the sinus problem is easing. A side benefit is that a chronic plantar fascitis problem I have seems to be nearly totally relieved. It is normally very painful to take a few first steps in the morning but this morning I walked with practically no pain on my heel at all. have chronic sinustitus. could Could not taste or smell. Using one tablet every 4 hours has brought back my taste and smell and I can breathe normally. Use for MIGRAINE HEADACHES: The 4-hour version of this drug is the ONLY decongestant that helps eliminate my migraine headaches. The 12-hour and other decons DO NOT HELP. 60mg pseudoephedrine Hcl + 800mg of ibuprofin TOGETHER help me more than anything else. | |||
