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

The authors of the review say that, like products with pseudoephedrine, diphenhydramine should at minimum be moved behind the counter, allowing pharmacists to guide patients toward second-generation alternatives. —Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2025

Examples of these newer antihistamines include: Oral decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, which is typically found behind the counter. —Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025

For safety reasons, such products are invariably kept behind-the-counter because of the possibility of pseudoephedrine being used as a starter chemical for methamphetamine production. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

Another example is any drug containing pseudoephedrine. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pseudoephedrine

• ephedrine

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