Legal Uses

Pseudoephedrine is “a decongestant marketed as an ingredient in hundreds of over-the-counter medications” (Shotwell). It is easily accessed; pharmacies across the nation carry this product in many different forms, brands, and quantities. It is usually prepared in pairs with other drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil Cold & Sinus), hydrochlorides (Sudafed products), and antihistamines (Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D). Its many forms in these over-the-counter drugs help contribute to curing or lessening the effects of many nasal sicknesses. This includes allergy symptoms, colds, coughs, and sinus infections. The legal uses of pseudoephedrine are solely used for helping to cure the common cold and decongest the sinuses. "A five-day course" of taking any product containing this decongestant usually does the trick in curing sicknesses (Lee and Kim). Pseudoephedrine is quick to cure, thus, leading to its popularity among consumers.

Pseudoephedrine’s legal use is very helpful for curing the common cold and sinus infections. However, the expansion of this product's circulation and its increasing availability has also led to its abuse. Drug abusers have now begun using pseudoephedrine to produce the illegal drug methamphetamine (commonly known as meth in our society). It is now being used to manufacture this illegal drug; I will discuss this topic in my next blog entry.

Sources Cited:
Lee, Jaechun, Miok Kim, Jeong Hong Kim, Young Ree Kim, Sohyung Kim, and Yeol Kim. “A Cheaper, Faster Way to Resolve Chronic Cough.” Journal of Family Practice. 56.8 (August 2007): 641-646. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. http://ezp.tccd.edu:2358/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=26344292&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Shotwell, Brad J. “Molecule of the Month.” Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry. 7.14 (July 2007): 1423-1423. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. http://ezp.tccd.edu:2358/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=26382108&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site>.

Photo Credit:
http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/04/18_scheckt_target/images/sudafed_large.jpg