Johnson, K. D., & Nicks, C. (2004). Effects of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride on reaction time and selected exercise tasks. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 36(5), Supplement abstract 1181.

“Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride is a sympathomimetic drug commonly found in cold and allergy medications. Controversy has surrounded its therapeutic use during national and international athletic competition. Several studies have produced equivocal results concerning the ergogenic effect of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride use during exercise” (p. S175).

The effects of a therapeutic dose of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride on reaction time and selected exercise tasks were determined. Male and female college students (N = 18) ingested either a 60 mg pseudoephedrine hydrochloride capsule or a placebo. Following a 60-minute rest, resting heart rate and blood pressure values were recorded. Each subject participated in the following exercise tasks: 1) Visual Reaction Time; 2) Auditory Reaction Time; 3) Margaria-Kalamen Stair Climbing Test; 4) Standing Vertical Jump; and 5) VO2peak Treadmill Test.

There were no significant differences between the conditions for any variables measured except standing vertical jump.

Implication. Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride generally did not improve performance factors in college students.

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