Pseudoephedrine Cold and Allergy Drug Side Effects & Dosage

What is pseudoephedrine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

• Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant used for reducing nasal congestion caused
  by allergies or the common cold. Pseudoephedrine causes blood vessels in the
  nasal passages to shrink (vasoconstrict). Vasoconstriction reduces nasal
  congestion by preventing fluid from draining from blood vessels into nasal
  passages. Pseudoephedrine also directly stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors and
  causes relaxation of bronchioles, as well as increased heart rate and
  contractility.
• The FDA approved pseudoephedrine in August 1975.

What brand names are available for pseudoephedrine?

Sudafed, Nexafed, Zephrex-D

Is pseudoephedrine available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for pseudoephedrine?

No

What are the uses for pseudoephedrine?

• Pseudoephedrine is used for treating nasal and sinus congestion caused by the
  common cold or allergies.

What are the side effects of pseudoephedrine?

Common side effects of pseudoephedrine include:

• Tremor
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Nervousness
• Possible serious side effects of pseudoephedrine include:
• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Abnormal heartbeats
• Ischemic colitis

Pseudoephedrine should not be used by people with severe hypertension or
coronary artery disease. It should be used with caution in people with mild to
moderate hypertension, cardiac disease, hyperthyroidism, hyperglycemia,
benign
prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes mellitus, kidney problems,
seizure disorder, and
glaucoma.

Which illness is known as a viral upper respiratory tract infection?
See Answer

What is the dosage for pseudoephedrine?

• The recommended dose is 60 mg every 4 to 6 hours when using immediate release
  tablets. When using extended release tablets the recommended dose is 120 mg
  every 12 hours or 240 mg every 24 hours.

Which drugs or supplements interact with pseudoephedrine?

• Pseudoephedrine should not be combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
  because such combinations may cause an acute hypertensive episode. Examples of
  MAOIs include rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Zelapar),
  isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).

Is pseudoephedrine safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

• Use of pseudoephedrine by
  pregnant women has not been adequately evaluated.
• Pseudoephedrine is secreted in breast milk. However, it is considered safe to
  use while nursing.

What else should I know about pseudoephedrine?

What preparations of pseudoephedrine are available?

• Tablet (immediate-release): 30, 60 mg; Tablet (extended-release): 120, 240 mg