By Jogai Bhatt of RNZ As pseudoephedrine returns to shelves in Aotearoa , many may be asking: what is the drug and why was it banned in the first place? Flu season is in full swing and many have been hit with head colds and sore throats already. Now we are in winter and peak sickness season, Kiwis will be flocking to pharmacies for over-the-counter cold and flu medicines - especially those containing pseudoephedrine. Here’s everything you need to know before you go and buy.
What is pseudoephedrine? Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that can be used to treat stuffy noses and relieve sinus pressure. It’s an active ingredient used in many cold and flu medicines, such as Nurofen Cold & Flu, or Sudafed. In 2011, pseudoephedrine was banned from being sold over the counter for fear it would be used in methamphetamine production.
In the years since, medicines containing pseudoephedrine effectively became unavailable in New Zealand. Peudoephedrine has now returned to New Zealand shelves under the National, ACT, NZ First coalition government. It can now be purchased from pharmacies without a prescription.
What are the alternatives to pseudoephedrine? Nasal sprays are readily available at supermarkets. But while these work well to reduce congestion over the short-term, long-term use can result in damage to the nasal lining, and ceasing use altogether can have a rebound effect causing more congestion. Over the years there has also been a big conversation over phenylephrine, a drug to.
