A Moderate Dose of Pseudoephedrine Does Not Alter Muscle Contraction Strength or Anaerobic Power

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of an acute oral administration of pseudoephedrine (PSE) on muscle function, fatigue, and anaerobic power output. DESIGN AND MATERIALS: Healthy males (N = 10) and females (N = 10) were allocated to receive both a placebo and PSE (120 mg) using a randomized, double-blind, crossover experimental design. Each subject had their maximal voluntary contraction strength and fatigability measured for both handgrip and ankle dorsi-flexion. Following the strength measurements, a 30-second maximal cycle test was performed to determine lower extremity anaerobic power and fatigue. Plasma lactate was measured before and after exercise. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in any of the outcome variables between the placebo and PSE trials. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that a 120 mg dose of PSE did not enhance force production, time to fatigue, fatigue index, or power output in young men or women. Therefore, there does not appear to be an ergogenic benefit from the ingestion of 120 mg PSE in high-intensity exercise performance.