What is Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant in the nasal passages that shrinks blood vessels. Nasal congestion may result from dilated blood vessels (stuffy nose). Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve nasal and sinus obstruction called the eustachian tubes or congestion of the tubes that drain fluid from the inner ears.
Pseudoephedrine Uses:
Pseudoephedrine is used to temporarily relieve pain/pressure caused by infection or other breathing diseases (such as common cold , flu ) in the stuffy nose and sinus (such as hay fever, allergies, bronchitis). This works to reduce swelling and congestion by narrowing the blood vessels. If you are self-treating with this medication, it is important to read the package instructions carefully from the manufacturer so that you know when to consult your doctor or pharmacist. In children younger than 6 years, cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective.
For use of children younger than 12 years, long-acting tablets/capsules are not recommended. Unless explicitly instructed by a doctor, do not use this pseudoephedrine product in children younger than 12 years of age. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information on how to safely use your product. These drugs do not cure or shorten the duration of the common cold and can cause severe side effects. To minimize the risk of severe side effects, follow all the dosage instructions carefully. Do not make a child sleepy using this product. Do not give other medications for cough-and-cold that may contain the same or similar ingredients. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for other ways to alleviate your cough and cold.
How to take
- Before taking this drug, read all the instructions on the product packaging if you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat. If this drug has been prescribed by your doctor, take it as instructed
- Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, usually every 12 or 24 hours, as instructed by your doctor or product packet, depending on the product. Do not take in excess of 240 milligrams a day. The dosage will be dependent on your age, medical condition, and treatment response. Do not increase your dosage or take this medicine more often than prescribed. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of this drug for your age.
- Shake the bottle well prior to each dosage if you are using the suspension (liquid). To carefully measure the dosage, use a medication-measuring device or spoon.
- Take a glass of water with the capsules or tablets. Swallow entire capsules. Do not smash the capsules. In doing so, all of the drugs will be released at once, raising the risk of side effects. Unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist advises you to do so, do not break the pills. Without crushing or chewing, swallow them whole or broken tablets.
- There are several pseudoephedrine brands and types available. As the amount of pseudoephedrine can vary between products, read the dosing instructions carefully for each product. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of pseudoephedrine.
- Caffeine may increase this medication's side effects. Stop consuming large amounts of caffeine-containing drinks (coffee, tea, cola), eating large amounts of chocolate, or drinking caffeine-containing, non-prescription drugs.
- Please seek urgent medical attention if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, if they intensify or return, if you develop fever, rash, or constant headache or if you think you might have a serious medical problem.
Pseudoephedrine Side effects
- Fast or uneven heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Easy bruising
- Bleeding
- Unusual weakness
- Fever
- Nausea
- Chills
- Body aches
- Flu symptoms
- High blood pressure
- Severe headache
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in your ears anxiety
- Confusion
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Uneven heart rate
- Seizure
- Loss of appetite
- Warmth or tingling
- Redness under your skin
- Feeling restless
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Mental or mood changes
- Difficulty urinating
- Restlessness
- Abdominal pain
Precautions:
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist whether you are allergic to it or whether you have any other reactions before taking pseudoephedrine. If you have had negative reactions to other sympathomimetics, also tell your doctor.
- There may be inactive ingredients in this substance that may cause allergic reactions or other problems. Consult the doctor or pharmacist before using this medication if you have any of the following health issues: diabetes, some eye disorders (glaucoma), heart problems (such as heart attack, chest pain, heart failure), fast/irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, kidney disease, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), trouble urinating.
- Sugar, alcohol, or aspartame can be found in liquid goods. If you have diabetes, alcohol dependency, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other disorder that allows you to restrict or eliminate these medications in your diet, caution is recommended. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to safely use this product.
- You should not use 240-milligram sustained-release pseudoephedrine products because of the possibility of blockage if you have a serious narrowing of the esophagus, stomach, or intestine.
- Older adults may be more vulnerable to the effects of this drug, including rapid/irregular heartbeat, dizziness, urination issues, difficulty sleeping, or confusion.
- Children may be more susceptible to the effects, especially restlessness, of this medication.
- This drug should not be used during pregnancy Discuss with your doctor the risks and advantages.
- In breast milk, pseudoephedrine moves. Before breastfeeding, explore the costs and benefits with your doctor.
Dosage information
The normal adult dose of Nasal Congestion Pseudoephedrine:
- Immediate release: as needed, 30 to 60 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours
- Sustained-release: 120 mg as needed orally every 12 hours
- Sustained suspension of release: 45 to 100 mg every 12 hours orally as needed.
- The daily maximum dose is 240 mg per day.
Normal pediatric dose of Nasal Congestion Pseudoephedrine:
From 2 years to 5 years:
- Release immediately: 15 mg every 6 hours.
- Sustained suspension of release: 12.5 to 25 mg orally every 12 hours as required.
- The daily maximum dose is 60 mg daily.
- Alternative dose: every 6 hours, 1 mg/kg/dose; daily dose: 15 mg
6 years to twelve years:
- Release immediately: 30 mg every 6 hours.
- Sustained suspension of release: 25 to 50 mg orally every 12 hours as need
- The daily maximum dose is 120 mg per day.
12 Years Over:
- Immediate release: as needed, 30 to 60 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours.
- Sustained-release: 120 mg as needed orally every 12 hours
- Sustained suspension of release: 50 to 100 mg orally every 12 hours as required
- The daily maximum dose is 240 mg per day.
Pseudoephedrine Vs Phentermine
Pseudoephedrine |
Phentermine |
|---|---|
| Brand names are Sudafed Congestion, Sudafed 12-Hour, SudoGest | Brand name Ionamin |
| Formula: C10H15NO | Formula: C10H15N |
| It is used as a nasal and sinus decongestant, as a stimulant | a medication used together with diet and exercise to treat obesity. |
| Pseudoephedrine works by reducing the swelling of blood vessels in your nose. | vessels in your nose. It triggers the release of chemicals in the brain that manipulate your mind to minimize your appetite so that you feel full and eat less. |
