Pseudoephedrine

Pseudoephedrine is a stereoisomer of ephedrine, in the drug class of sympathomimetics. It occurs naturally in plants of the genus Ephedra. Pseudoephedrine is a mixed-acting decongestant, which activates α- and β-adrenergic receptors directly by binding to the receptor itself, and indirectly by causing norepinephrine release in synaptic nerve terminals.
Pseudoephedrine is also used illicitly in the production of methamphetamine. In the United States, two recent acts of legislation – the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 and the Methamphetamine Production Prevention Act of 2008– have created stringent regulation on the sale of pseudoephedrine without a prescription. Pseudoephedrine-containing products were moved behind the counter, only to be sold by the pharmacist using their professional judgment and discretion. Limitations on the quantity of pseudoephedrine that could be purchased at one time and over a period of timewere enacted, and strict record keeping was required.