Acura launches new pseudoephedrine de-congestant

Acura Pharmaceuticals said on Thursday that it has launched NEXAFEDÂ Sinus Pressure + Pain, a pseudoephedrine, methamphetamine-resistant, immediate-release tablet that relieves congestion, pain and fever from colds and allergies.

"NEXAFED Sinus Pressure + Pain gives pharmacists the only meth-resistant combination cold medication with pseudoephedrine on the market," Acura Pharmaceuticals President Bob Jones. "We are excited to offer pharmacists and consumers a sinus medication with the main ingredient they have relied on to treat their congestion for years, combined with acetaminophen to treat pain associated with sinus congestion and pressure, all while fighting meth."

Meth use is an extensive problem in the U.S. and continues to have a large impact on communities, forcing many states to regulate over-the-counter ephedrine-based drug purchases to prevent meth makers from procuring the ingrients they need. A recent study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration said that over 100,000 more people used meth in 2013 than in previous years.

NEXAFED Sinus Pressure + Pain uses the patented IMPEDEÂ technology, which significantly interrupts the conversion of PSE into the dangerous drug, making NEXAFED Sinus Pressure + Pain essentially useless for meth production. This is Acura's second pseudoephedrine-based product on the market.

"When NEXAFED replaces traditional, nonmeth-resistant PSE products in pharmacies, patients get the same relief they expect, but meth cooks have to look elsewhere for the older products they prefer,” Jones said. “This has led to a significant reduction in local meth labs as documented by state and county officials in 2014.”