The generic name of this medication is pseudoephedrine and the various brand names are Chlor Trimeton Nasal Decongestant; Contac Cold; Drixoral Decongestant Non-Drowsy; Elixsure Decongestant; and Sudafed Nasal Decongestant. The active ingredients of this medication is pseudoephedrine hydrochloride. Sudafed Nasal Decongestant is manufactured by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. It is primarily used to provide relief from nasal congestion and also to decongest and drain fluid from the inner ear.

Pseudoephedrine (commonly abbreviated as PSE) is a sympathomimetic amine commonly used as a decongestant. The salts pseudoephedrine hydrochloride and pseudoephedrine sulfate are found in many over-the-counter preparations either as single-ingredient preparations, or more commonly in combination with antihistamines, paracetamol and/or ibuprofen. Consumers in North USA, the United Kingdom, and Australia often refer to it as Sudafed, the trademark for a common brand of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, although Pfizer now sells products without pseudoephedrine under the brand name (as Sudafed PE).

Unlike antihistamines, which modify the systemic histamine-mediated allergic response, pseudoephedrine only relieves nasal congestion commonly associated with colds or allergies. However, some users report rapid and effective relief from other allergic symptoms, including itchy and/or watery eyes, which may not have been provided effectively by antihistamines.

The advantage of oral pseudoephedrine over topical nasal preparations, such as oxymetazoline, is that it does not cause rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa); however, it is more likely to cause adverse effects including hypertension.