Pharmacology - Pseudoephedrine/ephedrine differences?

[Rainbowzz]

So. SWIM is just curious... whats the difference between a psuedo and a regular in this case?

[Rainbowzz]

SWIM found the answer for herself.

Thought she would post it here in case someone else ever has the same question.

pseudoephedrine is not the same exact thing as ephedrine. It's stereo isomer of ephedrine. Saying that they're the same thing is like saying that amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are the same thing. Similar, yes, but not the same. Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine both act on the alpha- and beta- adrenergic receptors, but pseudoephedrine's effect at the beta- receptors are much less pronounced than ephedrine's. The two drugs have different effects. Pseudoephedrine is nowhere near as stimulating as ephedrine, and it's cardiac effects are milder than ephedrine. Pseudoephedrine isn't an effective bronchodilator like ephedrine.

[riaahacker]

From what I understand pseudoephedrine doesn't cross blood-brain barrier and isn't very lipid soluble compared to ephedrine which makes ephedrine more stimulating and feel more like a psychostimulant.