5 mins read

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that is taken to help treat a stuffy nose or reduce sinus pressure. Side effects may include trouble sleeping, dizziness, headache, and nervousness. Check the product labeling before giving pseudoephedrine to your child. Different products may be approved for use for different ages. Pseudoephedrine comes in several formulations including oral tablets, capsules, and a liquid. It is also found in many combination cough and cold products.

Uses

What is pseudoephedrine used for?

Pseudoephedrine is commonly used as a decongestant to help treat a stuffy nose or reduce sinus congestion or pressure from things like the common cold or allergies like hay fever. 

Pseudoephedrine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does pseudoephedrine work (mechanism of action)?

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It helps reduce a stuffy nose or sinus pressure by narrowing the blood vessels and reducing swelling in your nose and sinuses. 

How is pseudoephedrine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Children's Sudafed 
  • Sudafed Sinus Congestion 
  • Sudafed Sinus Congestion 12 Hour 
  • Sudafed Sinus Congestion 24 Hour 
  • Zephrex D 

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 15 mg/5 mL oral solution
  • 120 mg, 240 mg extended-release tablets
  • 30 mg, 60 mg oral tablets
  • 30 mg oral capsules

How should I store pseudoephedrine?

Pseudoephedrine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Some products may be able to be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Follow the specific storage instructions for the product you have. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of pseudoephedrine?

The most common side effects of pseudoephedrine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nervousness

There may be other side effects of pseudoephedrine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of pseudoephedrine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of pseudoephedrine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Pseudoephedrine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking pseudoephedrine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects. Pseudoephedrine can affect your brain or central nervous system (CNS). Stop taking pseudoephedrine and call your health care provider if you have trouble with the following symptoms.

  • Nervousness
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble Sleeping

Stomach Problems. Pseudoephedrine can cause stomach problems, like nausea and vomiting. Sometimes these problems can be severe. Stomach problems may be more likely with the pseudoephedrine extended-release tablets. Stop taking pseudoephedrine and call your health care provider if you have stomach pain or vomiting that is not going away. 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use pseudoephedrine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take pseudoephedrine.

  • Nexafed
  • Pseudoephedrine
  • Sudafed
  • Zephrex-D
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific pseudoephedrine products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Pseudoephedrine should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking pseudoephedrine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about pseudoephedrine before using it?

Keep pseudoephedrine out of the reach of children.

Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose of liquid pseudoephedrine. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

Call your health care provider if your symptoms do not get better within seven days, if they are getting worse instead of better, or if you get a fever. 

Pseudoephedrine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how pseudoephedrine affects you.

The extended-release tablets should not be split, crushed, chewed, or dissolved. Swallow the extended-release tablets whole.

Check the product labeling before giving pseudoephedrine to your child. Different products may be approved for use for different ages. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using pseudoephedrine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if pseudoephedrine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmias
  • Thyroid problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Trouble peeing because of a big prostate
  • Glaucoma
  • Blockage or narrowing of your esophagus, stomach, or intestines

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how pseudoephedrine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take pseudoephedrine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Pseudoephedrine passes into breast milk. It may reduce the amount of breast milk your body makes, especially with repeated use. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. If you breastfeed while taking it, pseudoephedrine may cause your baby to be irritable or agitated. Contact your health care provider if you notice that your baby seems more irritable or is not eating normally. 

Interactions

Does pseudoephedrine interact with foods or drinks?

Caffeine, especially in large amounts, may increase your risk of having side effects with pseudoephedrine. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider about your caffeine intake.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect pseudoephedrine. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking pseudoephedrine.

Does pseudoephedrine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking pseudoephedrine.

  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • Another decongestant that you spray in your nose or take by mouth, such as oxymetazoline or  phenylephrine, which is used to treat nasal congestion

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with pseudoephedrine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much pseudoephedrine?

If you or someone else has used too much pseudoephedrine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of pseudoephedrine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.