Drug
Pseudoephedrine HCl
Pronounced
"sue-doh-eff-ED-rin"
Uses
Pseudoephedrine is used for the temporary relief of stuffy nose and sinus pain/pressure caused by infection (such as the common cold, flu) or other breathing illnesses (such as hay fever, allergies, bronchitis). Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant (sympathomimetic). It works by narrowing the blood vessels to decrease swelling and congestion.
If you are self-treating with this medication, it is important to read the manufacturer's package instructions carefully so you know when to consult your doctor or pharmacist. (See also Precautions section.)
Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Long-acting tablets/capsules are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Do not use this pseudoephedrine product in children younger than 12 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely.
These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold and may cause serious side effects. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not use this product to make a child sleepy. Do not give other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray).
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
Your doctor may direct you to use pseudoephedrine to decrease pain and swelling in the ear or to help "open up" the ear canal when there is a change in air pressure (such as during air travel, underwater diving). Follow your doctor's directions carefully.
How to Use This Medication
If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 12 or 24 hours, depending on the product or as directed by your doctor or the product package. Do not take more than 240 milligrams in a day. Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed. Do not take more of this medication than recommended for your age.
If you are using the suspension (liquid), shake the bottle well before each dose. Use a medication-measuring device or spoon to carefully measure the dose. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
Take the capsules or tablets with a full glass of water. Swallow whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules or tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
There are many brands and forms of pseudoephedrine available. Read the dosing instructions carefully for each product because the amount of pseudoephedrine may be different between products. Do not take more pseudoephedrine than recommended.
Caffeine can increase the side effects of this medication. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas), eating large amounts of chocolate, or taking nonprescription products that contain caffeine.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better after 7 days or if they get worse or return, or if you have a headache that doesn't go away, fever, or rash. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.