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Pseudoephedrine

Why is this medication prescribed?

Pseudoephedrine, a decongestant, relieves nasal discomfort caused by colds, allergies, and hay fever. It relieves stuffy nose, opens nasal airways, and drains sinuses.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Pseudoephedrine comes as a regular tablet and capsule, extended-release (long-acting) tablet and capsule, liquid, and drops for children to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 4-6 hours or every 12 hours (extended-release tablets and capsules). To help prevent trouble sleeping, take the last dose of the day several hours before bedtime. Follow the directions on the package label or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take pseudoephedrine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Do not break, crush, or chew extended-release tablets and do not open extended-release capsules; swallow them whole.

Do not give extended-release tablets or capsules to children younger than 12 years of age.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking pseudoephedrine,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to pseudoephedrine or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially medications for diet or appetite control, medications for asthma or high blood pressure, and vitamins. Do not take pseudoephedrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)] in the last 2 weeks.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, glaucoma, diabetes, an overactive thyroid gland, or difficulty urinating (due to an enlarged prostate gland).
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking pseudoephedrine, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking pseudoephedrine.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, tea, and cola) may increase the restlessness and insomnia caused by pseudoephedrine in sensitive individuals, so you may wish to reduce your consumption of these beverages.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from pseudoephedrine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nervousness
• restlessness
• dizziness
• difficulty sleeping
• upset stomach

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• difficulty breathing
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• muscle weakness
• palpitations
• tremors
• hallucinations

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.