Medication guide
Pseudoephedrine
- Generic name
- Pseudoephedrine
- Common brand names
- Sudafed (Behind-the-Counter/OTC in some regions)
- Medication class
- Sympathomimetic oral decongestant
Overview
Its medication class is Sympathomimetic oral decongestant. Common uses include Nasal congestion from URI/allergic causes. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.
How to Take it
- Route
- Oral tablet/capsule.
- Time of day
- Morning/early afternoon to reduce insomnia.
- With food/water
- 120–240 mL water; food reduces GI upset.
- Preparation
- Take immediately after meal for comfort unless label differs.
- Safe dose
- Use the lowest effective dose for symptom duration.
- Max dose
- Use only labeled daily maximum and avoid multiple products with same stimulant.
- Frequency
- Every 4–12 hours depending agent/dosing strength.
- Other recommendations
- Monitor blood pressure and pulse; avoid if instructed by clinician.
Common uses
- Nasal congestion from URI/allergic causes
Common side effects
- Palpitations
- jitteriness
- insomnia
- nervousness
- headache
- elevated blood pressure
- urinary retention
- and dizziness
Important warnings
- Contraindicated in uncontrolled hypertension, unstable coronary disease, severe glaucoma, and severe hyperthyroidism. Use caution in pregnancy, diabetes, and urinary retention. Avoid with MAOIs and within 2 weeks after discontinuing MAOIs. Stop and seek urgent care for chest pain, severe agitation, palpitations, fainting, dyspnea, or severe headache.
General interactions information
Additive with stimulants, some antidepressants/MAOIs, and cold preparations
Sources / references
- Pseudoephedrine — MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
These references offer further reading. A source link does not establish that a clinician has reviewed every statement in this guide.
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