Brand Name(s): Actifed Daytime Allergy, Cenafed, Decofed, Dimetapp Decongestant Pediatric, Dimetapp, Maximum Strength 12 Hour Non-Drowsy Extentabs, Dimetapp, Maximum Strength, Non-Drowsy Liqui-Gels, Dorcol Children's Decongestant, Efidac 24 Hour Relief, Genaphed, Kid Kare, PediaCare Decongestant, Infants, Silfedrine, Children's, Simply Stuffy, Sinustop, Sudafed, Sudafed, Children's Non-Drowsy, Triaminic Allergy Congestion

Generic Name Pseudoephedrine

What are pseudoephedrine tablets?

PSEUDOEPHEDRINE (Sudafed) is a decongestant. It can help relieve nasal or sinus congestion (stuffiness). Generic pseudoephedrine tablets are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take pseudoephedrine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• blood vessel disease
• diabetes
• difficulty urinating (urinary retention)
• glaucoma
• heart disease or heart rhythm problems
• high blood pressure
• kidney disease
• over active thyroid
• phenylketonuria (products containing aspartame such as the chewable tablets)
• prostate trouble
• an unusual or allergic reaction to pseudoephedrine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take pseudoephedrine tablets by mouth. The chewable tablets should be chewed prior to swallowing. Swallow with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Elderly patients over 60 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, and you are taking it on a regular schedule, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose (less than 2 hours), take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with pseudoephedrine?

• ammonium chloride
• amphetamine or other stimulant drugs
• bicarbonate, citrate, or acetate products (such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium lactate, and potassium citrate)
• bromocriptine
• caffeine
• cocaine
• furazolidone
• linezolid
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines known as MAO inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), and selegiline (Carbex®, Eldepryl®)
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines for migraine
• procarbazine
• some medicines for chest pain, heart disease, high blood pressure or heart rhythm problems
• some medicines for weight loss (including some herbal products, ephedrine, dextroamphetamine)
• St. John's wort
• theophylline
• thyroid hormones

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before starting or stopping any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking pseudoephedrine?

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

Rare or Uncommon:

• bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain
• chest pain
• confusion
• dizziness, or fainting spells
• hallucinations
• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• rapid or troubled breathing
• seizures (convulsions)
• severe, persistent, or worsening headache

More Common:

• anxiety
• fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations
• increased blood pressure
• increased sweating
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• sleeplessness (insomnia)
• tremor
• vomiting

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

• difficulty sleeping
• headache (mild)
• loss of appetite
• nausea, stomach upset
• restlessness or nervousness

What should I watch for while taking pseudoephedrine?

Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your congestion has not improved within 7 days, or if you have a high fever.

If pseudoephedrine (regular-release product) makes it difficult for you to sleep at night; take your last dose a few hours before bedtime. If nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness occur, stop using pseudoephedrine and consult a health care professional.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber you are taking pseudoephedrine.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature, between 15 and 30 °C (59 and 86 °F), unless otherwise specified on the product label. Protect from heat and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.