Pseudoephedrine tablets

July 17, 2018

Pseudoephedrine tablets

What is this medicine?

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

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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • bloody diarrhea with stomach pain

  • breathing problems

  • chest pain

  • confused, agitated, nervous

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

  • hallucinations

  • high blood pressure

  • pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

  • trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

  • trouble sleeping

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • headache

  • loss of appetite

  • nausea, stomach upset

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

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. Mix any unused medicine with a substance like cat littler or coffee grounds. Then throw the medicine away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from heat and moisture.

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

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.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018