Acute myocardial infarction after over-the-counter use of pseudoephedrine

Abstract

Pseudoephedrine is a commonly used over-the-counter decongestant with sympathomimetic activity. We present the case of a previously healthy young man who had an acute myocardial infarction 45 minutes after ingesting the recommended dose of an over-the-counter cold remedy containing pseudoephedrine. Elevations of cardiac-specific creatinine kinase and cardiac troponin I confirmed the diagnosis. Cardiac catheterization 8 hours later revealed normal coronary arteries, suggesting a mechanism of vasospasm. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirmed findings of regional myocardial infarction. This case highlights a potential danger of pseudoephedrine even when used by otherwise healthy individuals.