Indications
Pseudoephedrine is a nasal decongestant. It relieves a blocked or stuffy nose and sinus congestion caused by colds, flu, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. It is most often found in combination cough and cold medicines together with an antihistamine (such as Triprolidine or Loratadine) or a cough medicine.
How It Works
Pseudoephedrine narrows the swollen blood vessels in the lining of the nose and sinuses. This reduces swelling and opens the nasal passages, making breathing through the nose easier.
Dosage and Administration
- Adults and children 12 years and over: usually 60 mg every 4 to 6 hours, no more than 240 mg in 24 hours.
- Sustained-release forms: usually 120 mg every 12 hours; swallow whole.
- Combination syrups and tablets: follow the dose on the label exactly.
- Children 6 to 11 years: only as advised by a doctor. Not for children under 6 years.
Do not use for more than 7 days without medical advice. Avoid taking it late in the evening if it keeps you awake.
Interactions
Do not take with, or within 14 days of stopping, an MAO inhibitor (such as Selegiline or Linezolid), as blood pressure can rise dangerously. Avoid other decongestants and stimulants, and limit caffeine. It can weaken blood pressure medicines, including beta blockers. Taking it with tricyclic antidepressants, Ergotamine or other migraine medicines can raise blood pressure. Check other cold medicines so you do not take the same ingredient twice.
Contraindications
- Severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- Severe heart disease, including coronary artery disease.
- Use of an MAO inhibitor now or in the last 14 days.
- Allergy to pseudoephedrine or any ingredient of the product.
Side Effects
Restlessness, nervousness, trouble sleeping, a fast heartbeat, dry mouth, headache and nausea.
Get urgent medical help if you have:
- Chest pain, or a very fast or irregular heartbeat.
- A sudden severe headache, confusion, hallucinations or a seizure.
- Sudden severe tummy pain or bloody diarrhoea.
- Difficulty passing urine.
- A severe rash, or swelling of the face, lips or throat.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Avoid during pregnancy, especially in the first 3 months, unless a doctor advises it. Avoid while breastfeeding, as it passes into milk and may reduce milk supply.
Precautions and Warnings
Ask a doctor before use if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate or kidney disease. Stop and see a doctor if symptoms last more than 7 days or come with a high fever. Some combination products also contain an antihistamine that causes drowsiness; do not drive if affected.
Overdose
Too much can cause agitation, a racing heartbeat, high blood pressure, hallucinations and seizures. Get emergency medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Nasal decongestant (sympathomimetic).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.