Pseudoephedrine

soo-doe-e-FED-rin

Indications for Use

Treats stuffy nose and sinuses caused by the common cold, hay fever, or sinus infection. This medicine is a decongestant.

Brand Name(s)

Sudafed

Pediacare Decongestant Infants

Sudafed 12 Hour

Dimetapp Decongestant Pediatric

Pseudo-Gest

Pseudocot

Sudanyl

Sudodrine

Sudo-Tab

Kodet Se

Ridafed

Genaphed

Quality Choice Suphedrine

Nasal Decongestant

SudoGest

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When You Should Not Take the Medication

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to pseudoephedrine.

How to Use this Medicine

Long Acting Capsule, Capsule, Long Acting Tablet, Tablet, Liquid, Chewable Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label. If this medicine makes you feel restless, avoid taking it at bedtime.

Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or break.

The chewable tablet must be chewed completely before you swallow it. Do not swallow it whole.

Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If a Dose is Missed

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of this Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

You should not use pseudoephedrine with cocaine or monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (Parnate®, Marplan®, Eldepryl®).

Warnings While Using this Medicine

Check with your doctor before using if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate, or an overactive thyroid.

You should not use this medicine for more than 7 days unless ordered by a doctor.

If you do not get better after using this medicine for 7 days, or if you have a fever, talk to your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using this Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Chest pain
Very fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
Wheezing or shortness of breath
Convulsions (seizures)
Severe restlessness
Hallucinations

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Nervousness or dizziness
Trouble sleeping
Nausea or upset stomach
Headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.