The drug acts centrally to elevate the threshold for coughing. Although it is chemically related to morphine, it has no analgesic or addictive properties. Its antitussive activity is about equal to that of codeine.
Pseudoephedrine is an orally effective nasal decongestant.
It acts on the alpha-adrenergic receptors in the mucosa of the respiratory tract, producing vasconstriction. It is a sympathomimetic amine with peripheral effects similar to epinephrine and central effects similar to, but less intense than amphetamines. Patients taking pseudoephedrine orally have not been reported to experience the rebound congestion sometimes experienced with frequent, repeated use of topical decongestants. Pseudoephedrine is not known to produce drowsiness. For the symptomatic relief of nonproductive coughs and nasal sinus congestion associated with colds, bronchitis, influenza and sinusitis.