pseudoephedrine

noun

pseu·​do·​ephed·​rine ˌsü-dō-i-ˈfed-rən 

 British also  -ˈe-fə-drən

: an isomer of ephedrine used in the form of its hydrochloride or sulfate especially to relieve nasal congestion

Examples of pseudoephedrine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples of over-the-counter decongestants are pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and oxymetazoline (Afrin). —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 17 Dec. 2024

These medications include diuretics (medications that remove excess fluids from the body), pseudoephedrine (a decongestant), beta-blockers (drugs that lower heart rate and reduce blood pressure), and statins (prescription drugs that lower cholesterol levels in the blood).51 6. —Laura Schober, Health, 8 Dec. 2024

Because of its illicit use in producing methamphetamine, pseudoephedrine is held behind counters and sold in only limited quantities to consumers. —Keren Landman, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

Methamphetamine is a stimulant that has cold medicine like pseudoephedrine as a main ingredient. —Lex Harvey, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

pseudoephedrine

noun

pseu·​do·​ephed·​rine

-i-ˈfed-rən, British also -ˈef-ə-drən

: a crystalline alkaloid C₁₀H₁₅NO that is isomeric with ephedrine and is administered chiefly in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₀H₁₅NO·HCl or sulfate (C₁₀H₁₅NO)₂·H₂SO₄ especially to relieve nasal congestion