Sudafed
® (
pseudoephedrine hydrochloride) is a non-prescription decongestant medication. Uses of this drug include:
Who Makes This Medication?
Brand-name Sudafed is made by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, while other versions of pseudoephedrine (including other brand-name medications or generic medications) are made by various other manufacturers.
Do I Need a Prescription for Sudafed?
You do not need a prescription to buy Sudafed in most states.
However, any medication containing pseudoephedrine (including Sudafed) is required to be kept behind the pharmacy counter. You will need to show identification to buy Sudafed, and you will be limited to a certain amount of the medication per month. These measures were put in place to decrease the use of pseudoephedrine to make
methamphetamine (see Abuse of Pseudoephedrine for more information).
Sudafed Versus Sudafed PE
Sudafed PE contains a different (but similar) decongestant that was made in order to help people avoid the hassle of the "behind the counter" rule for regular Sudafed. This article applies to regular Sudafed only.
Sudafed is part of a class of drugs called decongestants. Specifically, it works by stimulating certain receptors known as alpha-adrenergic receptors. In the lining of the nose and sinuses, this action causes the blood vessels to constrict, allowing less fluid to leave the blood vessels and decreasing inflammation. This helps to relieve nasal and sinus congestion.
When and How to Take Sudafed
General considerations include the following:
- This medication comes in immediate-release tablets (Sudafed), extended-release tablets (Sudafed 12 Hour or 24 Hour), and a liquid (Children's Sudafed Liquid). The instructions for use vary with each different product.
- Do not break, chew, cut, or crush the extended-release tablets, as this will cause the medication to be released too quickly.
- You can take it with food or on an empty stomach. If the medication seems to bother your stomach, try taking it with a little food.
- Because there are a few different versions of this medicine available, be sure to follow the instructions for your particular product.
- Some people find that this drug interferes with their ability to fall asleep. If you experience this problem, try taking your last dose earlier in the day.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed.
The recommended dose will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The particular product
- Your age
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, Sudafed can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience bothersome side effects. Some people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Possible side effects of Sudafed include, but are not limited to:
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- A rapid heart rate
- Heart palpitations.
(Click Sudafed Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Sudafed?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
An overdose with Sudafed can cause serious problems. If you happen to overdose on this medication, seek immediate medical attention.
Sudafed should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
For people who take this medication on a regular schedule, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Brand-name Sudafed comes in numerous different forms, including:
- Sudafed Nasal Decongestant -- 30 mg immediate-release tablets
- Sudafed 12 Hour -- 120 mg extended-release tablets
- Sudafed 24 Hour -- 240 mg extended-release tablets
- Children's Sudafed Nasal Decongestant Grape Liquid -- 15 mg per teaspoonful (per 5 mL).
Additionally,
pseudoephedrine is an active ingredient in many other brand-name and generic products, including several different combination products (with more than one active ingredient). Also, there are numerous
Sudafed PE products available, but these medications contain a different decongestant (
phenylephrine).
Generic Availability of Sudafed
