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Pseudoephedrine

Sympathomimetic Amine / Alpha-Adrenergic Agonist
Last reviewed 22 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Stereoisomer of ephedrine that stimulates alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in urethral smooth muscle (increasing sphincter tone) and nasal mucosa (vasoconstriction/decongestion). Also releases endogenous norepinephrine from storage.

At a glance

Class
Sympathomimetic Amine / Alpha-Adrenergic Agonist
Schedule
OTC
Storage
Store at room temperature below 25°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) in spayed female dogs
Dose
0.2–0.4 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q8–12h
🐈

Cat

Very limited feline data
Dose
1 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q8h
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 2

Strength
Strength

Storage

Store at room temperature below 25°C

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Blood pressureHeart rateUrinary incontinence responseBehavioral changes
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Selegiline (L-Deprenyl)
contraindicated
Sympathomimetic + MAO inhibitor: severe hypertensive crisis and potentially fatal cardiovascular collapse.
Management: NEVER combine.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Brands

Other markets

Sudafed

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Pseudoephedrine?
Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine / alpha-adrenergic agonist used in pets. Stereoisomer of ephedrine that stimulates alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in urethral smooth muscle (increasing sphincter tone) and nasal mucosa (vasoconstriction/decongestion). Also releases endogenous norepinephrine from storage.
What is Pseudoephedrine used for in pets?
Pseudoephedrine is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) in spayed female dogs; Very limited feline data.
What is the Pseudoephedrine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Pseudoephedrine is typically dosed as follows — Used for urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) in spayed female dogs: 0.2–0.4 mg/kg PO q8–12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Pseudoephedrine dose for cats?
For cats, Pseudoephedrine is typically dosed as follows — Very limited feline data: 1 mg/kg PO q8h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Pseudoephedrine need a prescription?
Pseudoephedrine is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database
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