a drug similar in action to ephedrine, used extensively as a decongestant
pseudoephedrine in American English
(ˌsuːdouɪˈfedrɪn, -ˈefɪˌdrin, -drɪn)
noun
Pharmacology
a dextrorotatory, isomeric compound, C10H15NO, used as a nasal decongestant
Word origin
[pseudo- + ephedrine]pseudo- is a combining form meaning “false,” “pretended,” “unreal,” used in the formationof compound words (pseudoclassic; pseudointellectual); in scientific use, pseudo- denotes close or deceptive resemblance to the following element (pseudobulb; pseudocarp), and is used sometimes in chemical names of isomers (pseudoephedrine)
Examples of 'pseudoephedrine' in a sentence
pseudoephedrine
The main ingredient is ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, found in regular cold and flu medication.
The Sun (2011)
Some people find it easier to take than (the alternative) pseudoephedrine.
Houston Chronicle (2000)
Two of the most common are old-fashioned adrenaline-like decongestants (eg pseudoephedrine) and sedating anti-histamines (egpromethazine).
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Detection of stimulants such as pseudoephedrine and caffeine would have meant a ban from competition.