U.S. Brand Names

Genaphed® [OTC]; Kidkare Decongestant [OTC]; Oranyl [OTC]; PediaCare® Decongestant Infants [OTC] [DSC]; Silfedrine Children's [OTC]; Sudafed® 12 Hour [OTC]; Sudafed® 24 Hour [OTC]; Sudafed® Children's [OTC]; Sudafed® Maximum Strength Nasal Decongestant [OTC]; Sudo-Tab® [OTC]; SudoGest [OTC]; Unifed [OTC]

Canadian Brand Names

Balminil Decongestant; Benylin® D for Infants ; Contac® Cold 12 Hour Relief Non Drowsy; Drixoral® ND; Eltor®; PMS-Pseudoephedrine; Pseudofrin; Robidrine®; Sudafed® Decongestant

Mexican Brand Names

Sudafed

Pharmacologic Category

Alpha/Beta Agonist

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years of age. Talk with healthcare provider. Check all of your child's medicines, including over-the-counter, with healthcare provider.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to pseudoephedrine or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) must be stopped 14 days before this medicine is started. Taking the two together could cause dangerously high blood pressure.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat nasal congestion.

How does it work?

• Pseudoephedrine shrinks swollen nasal tissue and opens up passages.

How is it best taken?

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

• Chewable tablet: Chew or crush well. Mix crushed tablet with food. Do not swallow whole.

• A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have glaucoma, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have thyroid disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you are a male with problems urinating, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have PKU, talk with healthcare provider. Some products do contain phenylalanine.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, and fast heartbeat.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• High blood pressure.

• Nervous and excitable.

• Headache.

• Inability to sleep.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Chest pain or pressure, fast heartbeat, or passing out.

• Very nervous and excitable.

• Severe headache.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect caplets and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2007-04-10 11:25:40.0

Modified: 2008-04-30 11:13:11.0

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