Pseudoephedrine can be taken for a few days, usually up to 5 to 7 days, for the short-term relief of a stuffy or blocked nose. Decongestants should only be used for a short time, usually less than 10 days. Only take pseudoephedrine for longer than 10 days if a doctor has said it's OK. Pseudoephedrine works by narrowing the blood vessels in your nose, but it also narrows the blood vessels in other parts of your body.
If you have any heart problems or you're worried about this, speak to a pharmacist or doctor about a different treatment. It's a good idea to limit food and drink containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, cola and chocolate. Caffeine can increase your risk of side effects, like feeling more restless or shaky and increasing your heartbeat. Pseudoephedrine does not affect any type of regular contraception, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.
No, there's no evidence that pseudoephedrine affects fertility in men or women. Pseudoephedrine does not affect your ability to drive or ride a bike. Page last reviewed: 22 August Next review due: 22 August Pseudoephedrine including Sudafed On this page About pseudoephedrine Key facts Who can and cannot take pseudoephedrine How and when to take it Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.
About pseudoephedrine Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that relieves a stuffy or blocked nose nasal congestion. This can happen when you have: a cold the flu allergies such as hay fever a sinus infection sinusitis You can buy pseudoephedrine from pharmacies and supermarkets. It comes as tablets, capsules and a liquid that you swallow. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today? Pseudoephedrine usually starts to work in 15 to 30 minutes Common side effects include feeling sick, headaches, a dry mouth, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or increased blood pressure.
It might also make you feel restless, nervous or shaky. Pseudoephedrine is also called by the brand names Sudafed or Galpseud Linctus. Important Do not give pseudoephedrine to children under 6 years. Tell a pharmacist or doctor if you have: ever had an allergic reaction to pseudoephedrine or other medicines in the past high blood pressure hypertension heart disease taken medicines for depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs in the last 2 weeks diabetes an overactive thyroid gland hyperthyroidism glaucoma increased pressure in the eye an enlarged prostate men with difficulty peeing or needing to pee often liver or kidney problems.
The usual dose depends on the medicine you're taking. Important If you have bought pseudoephedrine or any medicine containing pseudoephedrine from a pharmacy or supermarket, follow the instructions that come with the packet or ask a pharmacist for advice. How to take it You can take pseudoephedrine tablets and liquid with or without food. What if I forget to take it? If you forget to take a dose, take the next dose when you need it. Always leave at least 4 hours between doses. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Also, before taking Sudafed, be sure to tell your doctor if you take any of the following medications:. Sudafed is safe for many people. However, you should avoid it if you have certain health conditions, which may get worse if you take Sudafed. Before using Sudafed, be sure to tell your doctor if you have:.
There are concerns of misuse with Sudafed because it can be used to make illegal methamphetamine, a very addictive stimulant. However, Sudafed itself is not addictive. There are also no warnings against drinking alcohol while taking Sudafed. However, in rare cases, alcohol may increase certain side effects of Sudafed, such as dizziness. Also call if you have a high fever. If your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away. In most states, Sudafed is available over the counter OTC.
However, some locations in the United States require a prescription. The states of Oregon and Mississippi, as well as some cities in Missouri and Tennessee, all require a prescription for Sudafed.
The reason for these prescription requirements is that PSE, the main ingredient in Sudafed, is used to make illegal methamphetamine. Also called crystal meth, methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug. These requirements help prevent people from buying Sudafed to make this drug. One of the most common causes for persistent coughing is a viral upper respiratory tract infection, such as a common cold or the flu.
When you have a cold, your body creates more mucus to both remove the infection and protect the body from other bacteria and viruses. During a cold, your body is creating extra mucus to relieve the germs in your nose and sinuses, and this extra mucus causes the veins in your nose to become inflamed, resulting in swollen tissues. Colds and the flu share many of the same symptoms, so it can be almost impossible to tell the difference between the two. Your doctor can administer a special test in the first few days of your illness to determine if you have influenza, but you can also recognize subtle differences in symptoms.
Overall, flu symptoms come on stronger and more abruptly, manifesting as headaches, fever, chills and aches. If you notice signs of the common cold, you can take steps to improve your symptoms and make yourself more comfortable. Here are some cough and cold treatment tips. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
It can be hard to slow down when you have a cold, but your body needs the rest. Get plenty of sleep each night and avoid daily tasks that cause overexertion. This also avoids spreading the virus to others. There are many drug options available to treat nasal congestion and pressure. Your doctor can help you decide if Sudafed PE or another medication is a good choice for you. If you've had a pulmonary embolism PE , your recovery period may vary based on many factors.
Learn about the treatments and care you may need, when…. Learn about some of the causes and treatment options for common this symptom. Besides medication, there are several natural decongestants that can unclog stuffy nasal passages and help you breathe easier. Find out which remedies…. Learn how to use this alternative treatment.
Learn more about the ways you can treat a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, at home, including tips on decongestants, humidifiers, and steam remedies. Steam inhalers are used as personal saunas for skin care or supporting respiratory health. We created a list of steam inhalers to suit your needs. You may have heard that you can sweat out a cold, but is this an effective remedy?
Learn more here. Typically, postnasal drip can be alleviated at home. Try these remedies and OTC products to relieve your symptoms.
Salt water gargles are touted as an effective and easy home remedy for a sore throat. We explain why, plus additional benefits. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. About Sudafed PE.
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