Pseudoephedrine
Also sold as: Sudafed
Prescription neededCough and cold
Comes as:TabletSyrup
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose: 60 mg every 4 to 6 hours for a blocked nose. Do not take more than 240 mg in 24 hours or for more than 7 days. Not for children under 12 years unless a doctor advises.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- trouble sleeping
- nervousness
- fast heartbeat
- dry mouth
- headache
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- very high blood pressure (severe headache)
- chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- difficulty passing urine
- fits
Do not take it, or take care, if
- High blood pressure or heart disease
- Overactive thyroid, diabetes or glaucoma (use with caution)
- Enlarged prostate or difficulty passing urine
- Pregnancy, especially the first 3 months, and breastfeeding
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Moderate3 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Amitriptyline
The combination can raise blood pressure and heart rate.
- Atenolol
Pseudoephedrine can raise blood pressure and reduce the effect of blood pressure medicines.
- Methyldopa
Pseudoephedrine can raise blood pressure and reduce the effect of methyldopa.