Pseudoephedrine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Drug Pseudoephedrine?

What is pseudoephedrine for?

Pseudoephedrine is a drug with a function to temporarily relieve symptoms of nasal congestion and sinus due to infections (such as colds, flu) or other respiratory diseases (such as hay fever, common allergy, bronchitis). Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant (sympathomimetic). Pseudoephedrine works by shrinking blood vessels to reduce swelling and blockage.

If you are taking home remedies with this medication, carefully read the medication manual and the Patient Information Leaflet provided by the pharmacy, if available, before you get this medication and each time you repurchase it. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. (See also Warning section)

Cold cough products have not been shown to be safe or effective for children younger than 6 years. Do not use this product in children under 6 years of age, unless specifically directed by a doctor. Tablets / capsules with long reactions are not recommended for use in children less than 12 years of age. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about how to use your product safely.

These products do not treat or shorten the time for a cold and can cause serious side effects. To reduce the risk of serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not use this product to put a child to sleep. Do not give cough and cold medications that may contain the same or similar anti-clogging agents (decongestants) (see also Interactions section). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a moisturizer or saline drops / spray for the nose).

OTHER USES: This section lists uses for this drug that are not listed on approved labels, but may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Use this medication for the conditions listed below only if it has been prescribed by your doctor and health care professional.

Your doctor may direct the use of pseudoephedrine to relieve pain and swelling in your ear, or to help open the ear canal when there is a change in air pressure (such as during air travel, underwater diving). Follow your doctor's directions carefully.

The pseudoephedrine dosage and side effects of pseudoephedrine are described further below.

How is pseudoephedrine used?

If you are taking a non-prescription product for self-management, read the drug manual and the Patient Information Brochure provided by the pharmacy, if available, before you get this medication and each time you buy it again. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed.

Take this medication directly with or without food, usually every 4-6 hours, as directed by the product packaging or by your doctor. Do not take more than 4 doses a day. The dosage is based on your age, health condition, and response to therapy. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed. Do not take more of this drug than is recommended for your age.

If you are taking it in chewable tablet form, chew it well and swallow it. If you are taking this medication in liquid form, measure the dose using a special drug measuring instrument / cup. If not available, ask your pharmacist for a special measuring spoon / glass. Do not use a household spoon to avoid improper dosing.

Pseudoephedrine is available in the market in various brands and forms. Some of the tablets should be taken with large amounts of water. Check your product packaging for specific directions. Read the dosage instructions carefully for each product as the amount of pseudoephedrine content can vary from product to product. Do not take more pseudoephedrine than recommended.

Caffeine can increase the side effects of this treatment. Avoid consuming caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, soft drinks) in large quantities, eating large amounts of chocolate, or consuming non-prescription medicinal products that contain caffeine.

If your symptoms do not improve within 7 days, get worse, or come back, have a fever, skin rash, headache, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek medical attention immediately.

How is pseudoephedrine stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Pseudoephedrine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of pseudoephedrine for adults?

Usual adult dosage for nasal congestion (colds)

Immediate release: 30-60 mg taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed.

Sustained release: 120 mg taken every 12 hours as needed..

Sustained release suspension: 45 - 100 mg taken every 12 hours as needed.

Maximum daily dose: 240 mg / day.

What is the dose of pseudoephedrine for children?

Typical children's dosage for nasal congestion (runny nose)

Age 2 - 5 years:

Immediate release: 15 mg every 6 hours.

Sustained release: 12.5 to 25 mg taken every 12 hours as needed.

Maximum daily dose: 60 mg / day.

Alternative dose: 1 mg / kg / dose every 6 hours, maximum dose: 15 mg.

Age 6-12 years:

Immediate release: 30 mg every 6 hours.

Sustained release suspension: 25 to 50 mg taken every 12 hours as needed.

Maximum daily dose: 120 mg / day.

Age> 12 years:

Immediate release: 30-60 mg taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed.

Sustained release: 120 mg taken every 12 hours as needed..

Sustained release suspension: 50 - 100 mg taken every 12 hours as needed.

Maximum daily dose: 240 mg / day.

In what dosage is pseudoephedrine available?

• capsules 120 mg
• solution, taken by mouth: 30 mg / 5 mL

Pseudoephedrine side effects

What side effects can pseudoephedrine have?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking pseudoephedrine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects, such as:

• heartbeat beat, fast, unstable
• anxiety and severe dizziness
• bleeding and bruising, unusual fatigue, fever, chills, not feeling well, flu symptoms
• increased blood pressure to a dangerous stage (severe headache, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, restlessness, confusion, chest pain, trouble breathing, unstable heartbeat)

The more common side effects include:

• loss of appetite
• burning, tingling, or redness under your skin
• feeling excited or happy (especially in children)
• sleep disorders (insomnia)
• skin rash or itching

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Pseudoephedrine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using pseudoephedrine?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

Pseudoephedrine is less likely to cause side effects in infants, particularly newborns and premature babies, compared to older children or adults

Do not give any over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to babies or children under 4 years of age. Use of these medicines at a very young age can cause serious side effects or risk life-threatening.

Elderly

There has not been adequate research regarding the drugs and their use in the elderly. Therefore, it is not known whether the drug works in the same way as in young adults or whether it causes different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of pseudoephedrine in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Is pseudoephedrine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is not yet sufficient information about the safety of using this drug during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Studies in breastfeeding women have shown that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when taken during breastfeeding.

Pseudoephedrine Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with pseudoephedrine?

Taking this drug with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may not prescribe this drug to you or will replace some of the drugs you are already taking.

• Clorgyline
• Dihydroergotamine
• Furazolidone
• Iproniazid
• Isocarboxazid
• Linezolid
• Moclobemide
• Nialamide
• Pargyline
• Phenelzine
• Procarbazine
• Rasagiline
• Selegiline
• Toloxatone
• Tranylcypromine

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Guanethidine
• Iobenguane I 123
• Methyldopa
• Midodrine

Can food or alcohol interact with pseudoephedrine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with pseudoephedrine?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• • type 2 diabetes mellitus — use of pseudoephedrine can cause a rise in blood sugar levels
  • enlarged prostate
  • glaucoma, or glaucoma symptoms
  • heart disease or vascular disease
  • high blood pressure — Pseudoephedrine can make your health condition worse
  • hyperthyroidism - Pseudoephedrine can make your health condition worse

Pseudoephedrine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.