Category: stimulant
Aliases: Sudafed PE, neo-synephrine
α1-adrenergic agonist with minimal β activity. OTC oral decongestant since the 2006 Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act moved pseudoephedrine behind-the-counter; the active in Sudafed PE, Vicks Sinex, and most non-drowsy cold formulations. FDA Sept 2023 NDAC voted that oral phenylephrine at standard 10 mg PO doses is ineffective for nasal congestion (heavy first-pass via SULT1A3 reduces oral F to ~38%, much pre-systemic). Intranasal and IV routes work; IV used in anesthesia for hypotension.
PO: 6h