Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride Oral tablet Health Article

Generic name(s):

Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride Oral tablet

Brand name(s):

Afrinol, Cenafed, Chlor Trimeton Nasal Decongestant, Contac, Contac Cold, D-Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride, Decofed, Decofed Liquid, Decongestant, Dimetapp 12-Hour Non-Drowsy Extentabs, Dimetapp Decongestant, Dimetapp Infant Drops, Drixoral Decongestant Non-Drowsy, Drixoral Non-Drowsy, Efidac, Elixsure Decongestant, Entex, Genaphed, Kid Kare Drops, Myfedrine, Nasal Decongestant, Pediacare Drops, Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride, Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride SA, Ridafed, Seudotabs, Silfedrine, Sinus 12 Hour, Sudafed, Sudafed 12-Hour, Sudafed 24-Hour, Sudafed Child Nasal Decongestant, SudoGest, SudoGest 12 Hour, Sudodrin, Sudrine, Superfed, Suphedrin, Triaminic A.M., Triaminic Infant Drops, Triaminic Softchews Allergy Congestion, Tylenol Simply Stuffy, Unifed, Wal-Phed, Wal-Phed 12 Hour Non-Drowsy, nasofed

What is this medicine?

PSEUDOEPHEDRINE (soo doe e FED rin) is a decongestant. It is used to treat congestion of the nose or sinuses.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• diabetes
• glaucoma
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• kidney disease
• prostate trouble
• taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days
• thyroid disease
• trouble passing urine
• an unusual or allergic reaction to pseudoephedrine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• bromocriptine
• ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol
• atropine
• bretylium
• caffeine
• digoxin
• linezolid
• mecamylamine
• medicines for blood pressure
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances like fluoxetine, sertraline
• medicines for enlarged prostate
• medicines for sleep
• other medicines for cold, cough, or allergy
• procarbazine
• reserpine
• some heart medicines like metoprolol
• St. John's Wort

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. See your doctor if you are not better in 7 days or if you have a fever.