Around one fourth of Americans diagnosed with nasal congestion experience symptoms almost daily. This is known to have an impact on routines. Various medications are presently in use for treating the condition, and patients are known to compare different medications to understand the most effective treatment option. One such comparison is – Phenylephrine vs Pseudoephedrine – What’s the difference between them? Following subsections offer a detailed look at both the formulations to help understand the difference between the two medications. This will help narrow down the choice to the most effective medication for the condition.
Overview of Phenylephrine and Pseudoephedrine
Both medications are commonly used to relieve nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies, and sinusitis. Both work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages; however, there are certain differences between the two. Phenylephrine is a decongestant available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product and is used to relieve nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies, and sinusitis. It narrows the blood vessels in the nasal passages, and this reduces inflammation and swelling. Phenylephrine is typically taken as a tablet or nasal spray, and it is usually used for short-term relief of nasal congestion. It is generally considered safe for most people when used as directed, but it can cause side effects such as headaches, nervousness, and difficulty sleeping.
Pseudoephedrine, on the other hand, is a prescription decongestant used to relieve nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies, and sinusitis. It works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, and this reduces inflammation and swelling. However, this drug has a much stronger effect than phenylephrine. Pseudoephedrine is typically taken as a tablet or capsule, and is also usually intended or short-term relief of nasal congestion. It can cause side effects such as headaches, nervousness, and difficulty sleeping. Pseudoephedrine is also at times abused, and its use is regulated in certain countries.
Mechanism of action of Phenylephrine
The mechanism of action of Phenylephrine is based on its ability to selectively bind to alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. These receptors are located in the blood vessels of the nasal passages and, when stimulated, they cause the blood vessels to constrict or narrow. This leads to a decrease in blood flow and a reduction in inflammation and swelling. This mechanism helps to relieve the symptoms of nasal congestion by reducing the inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages. Phenylephrine also has the ability to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This effect is less pronounced than the action on the alpha-1 receptors, however it can be noticed in some individuals with hypertension, heart disease, or other conditions.
Phenylephrine is not to be used for more than a few days at a time as it can cause rebound congestion if used for longer periods.
Mechanism of action of Pseudoephedrine
The mechanism of action of Pseudoephedrine is based on its ability to stimulate the alpha-1 adrenergic receptors and the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. These receptors are located in the blood vessels of the nasal passages and, when stimulated, they cause the blood vessels to constrict or narrow. This leads to a decrease in blood flow and a reduction in inflammation and swelling. This mechanism helps to relieve the symptoms of nasal congestion by reducing the inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages. Pseudoephedrine also has the ability to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This effect is more pronounced than the action on the alpha-1 and alpha-2 receptors, and it can be noticed in some individuals with hypertension, heart disease, or other conditions.
Pseudoephedrine is also a substrate for the enzyme P450 2D6, and it can be metabolized to an active compound that has a direct action on the norepinephrine transporter, causing a release of norepinephrine from the synaptic vesicles. Pseudoephedrine is not to be used for more than a few days at a time as it can cause rebound congestion if used for extended periods. By virtue of being a controlled substance in certain nations, it is important to check before carrying it as part of medication kits.
Possible drug interactions of Phenylephrine and Pseudoephedrine
With the basic information about the two medications, it is time to understand more to answer the question – Phenylephrine vs Pseudoephedrine – What’s the difference between them? Both the medications are known to interact with other medications and can cause serious side effects. Phenylephrine can interact with certain medications used to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disease, increasing the risk of side effects. Pseudoephedrine can interact with certain medications used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, and thyroid disease, increasing the risk of side effects. Therefore, in terms of differences in side effects there is little to differentiate between the two.
Individuals diagnosed specific medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, and certain heart conditions are not to take either of the two medications, unless specifically recommended.
Noteworthy differences
The main differences can be summed up as the category of drugs – Phenylephrine is available as an OTC, and has a relatively lower side effects profile, when compared with Pseudoephedrine available on prescription only. The efficacy of Pseudoephedrine has been proven to a certain extent in studies, and this gives it a slight edge over Phenylephrine. Additionally, the rate of absorption of the former is higher when compared with the latter. This effectively means that the possibility of the medication offering better outcomes is higher with Pseudoephedrine.
The impact of Pseudoephedrine on the central nervous system is markedly higher when compared with Phenylephrine. Therefore, the possibility of effects on sleep is higher with the former medication. The possibility of abuse, as outlined earlier is also high and this makes it necessary to ensure that the drug is used with extreme caution. Also, as its use is restricted, it is important to check, before usage to avoid legal complications.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
