Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

PSEUDOEPHEDRINE - ORAL

(sue-doh-eff-ED-rin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Afrin, Afrinol, Chlor-Trimeton, Novafed, Sudafed

Uses

Pseudoephedrine is used to provide relief from the nasal or sinus congestion caused by allergies or the common cold, or ear congestion caused by inflammation or infection.

How To Use

It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication, unless your doctor instructs you to do otherwise. Sustained-release or long acting tablets and capsules must be swallowed whole. Chewing or crushing them will destroy the long action and may increase side effects. If symptoms do not improve after 7 days or are accompanied by a high fever, notify your doctor. Do not increase the dose or take this more frequently than recommended.

Side Effects

May cause dizziness, headache, fast or pounding heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, difficult or painful urination, sweating, nervousness, restlessness, or trouble sleeping. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist, become severe or bothersome, inform your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have: pre-existing heart problems, kidney or liver disease, lung disease, emphysema, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate, history of seizures. This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Pseudoephedrine passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Using this drug while breast-feeding is not recommended.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, medication for depression, high blood pressure drugs. Tell your doctor if you have taken any MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within the last two weeks. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include irregular or unusually slow or rapid heartbeat, unusual nervousness or excitement, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, and seizures.

Notes

Talk with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse about diseases you have and drugs you are already taking before using any new medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered if within an hour. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the doses.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.