Question

a patient at the pharmacy counter tells a pharmacy technician she wants to purchase the 24-hr formulation of pseudoephedrine (sudafed). the technician should understand that which of the following symptoms is an indication for this behind-the-counter (btc) medication?

acne
nausea and vomiting
alopecia
nasal congestion

Explanation:

Identify the drug and its therapeutic class

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is a systemic decongestant belonging to the sympathomimetic drug class.

Determine the primary indication

Sympathomimetics stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors, causing vasoconstriction of dilated nasal mucosal blood vessels, which relieves nasal congestion.

Evaluate the given options

• Acne: Treated with topical or systemic retinoids/antibiotics.
• Nausea and vomiting: Treated with antiemetics.
• Alopecia: Treated with minoxidil or finasteride.
• Nasal congestion: Directly relieved by pseudoephedrine.

Answer:

• Acne
• Nausea and vomiting
• Alopecia
• Nasal congestion (Correct answer)