Sudafed is an over-the-counter decongestant used to relieve nasal and sinus congestion. This article from the eMedTV Web site describes how the medication works, explains when and how to take it, and lists some of its potential side effects.
Potential side effects of Sudafed include mild dizziness, fatigue, and constipation. As this eMedTV page explains, while most side effects are mild, others (such as anemia or chest tightness) are potentially serious and require medical attention .
There are several approved uses for Sudafed. As this eMedTV resource explains, Sudafed promotes nasal and sinus draining, treats nasal congestion due to allergies or the common cold, and relieves sinus congestion and pressure.
For immediate-release tablets, the recommended dosage of Sudafed is two tablets every four to six hours. This eMedTV Web page also provides dosage guidelines for extended-release tablets and explains how dosing works for younger children.
Many medicines can cause drug interactions with Sudafed, including SNRIs, cannabinoids, and phenothiazines. This eMedTV page includes a more detailed list of drugs that may interfere with Sudafed and describes the potential effects of these interactions.
You should talk to your doctor before using Sudafed if you have heart disease. This eMedTV page lists other conditions you should tell your doctor about before taking Sudafed. Precautions and warnings on who should not use this drug are also included.
As this eMedTV page explains, an overdose of Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) may lead to shakiness, vomiting, or chest pain. This article lists other possible overdose symptoms and describes the various treatment options that are available for an overdose.
The full risks of using Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) during pregnancy are not known at this time. This eMedTV resource provides more information on pregnancy and Sudafed, and describes the problems that may occur if the drug is used in early pregnancy.
Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is a medication that is known to pass through breast milk. This eMedTV article contains more information on breastfeeding and Sudafed, and explores the potential problems that may occur if the drug is used while nursing.
Many manufacturers have stopped making generic Sudafed (pseudoephedrine). As this eMedTV page explains, this is because all drugs containing pseudoephedrine must be kept behind the pharmacy counter (making it somewhat inconvenient to buy the drug).
