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Cenafed, Chlor Trimeton Nasal Decongestant, Decofed, Dimetapp Decongestant, Drixoral Decongestant Non-Drowsy, Elixsure Decongestant, Genaphed, Kid Kare Drops, Ridafed, Seudotabs, Sudafed, Sudrine, Suphedrin, Triaminic Softchews Allergy Congestion, Unifed, |Unifed

Unifed

Generic Name: pseudoephedrine (soo doe eh FEH drin)
Brand Names: Cenafed, Chlor Trimeton Nasal Decongestant, Decofed, Dimetapp Decongestant, Drixoral Decongestant Non-Drowsy, Elixsure Decongestant, Genaphed, Kid Kare Drops, Ridafed, Seudotabs, Sudafed, Sudrine, Suphedrin, Triaminic Softchews Allergy Congestion, Unifed

What is pseudoephedrine?

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Pseudoephedrine is used to treat nasal and sinus congestion, or congestion of the tubes that drain fluid from your inner ears, called the eustachian (yoo-STAY-shun) tubes.

Pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about pseudoephedrine?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pseudoephedrine?

Before taking pseudoephedrine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• heart disease or high blood pressure;

• diabetes; or

• a thyroid disorder.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use pseudoephedrine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Artificially-sweetened liquid forms of cold medicine may contain phenylalanine. This would be important to know if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). Check the ingredients and warnings on the medication label if you are concerned about phenylalanine.

How should I take pseudoephedrine?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended. Cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Measure the liquid form of this medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken a cold medicine within the past few days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since cold medicine is usually taken only as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a pseudoephedrine overdose may include feeling restless or nervous.

What should I avoid while taking pseudoephedrine?

Avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (such as ADHD medications) without your doctor"s advice. Taking a stimulant together with a decongestant can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.

Pseudoephedrine side effects

• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;

• severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, or nervousness;

• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or

• increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure).

Keep taking the medication and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• mild loss of appetite;

• warmth, tingling, or redness under your skin;

• feeling excited or restless;

• sleep problems (insomnia); or

• skin rash or itching.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect pseudoephedrine?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• medicines to treat high blood pressure;

• a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Blocadren), and others; or

• antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), and others.

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use pseudoephedrine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect pseudoephedrine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about pseudoephedrine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Pseudoephedrine is available over-the-counter in many different brand and generic formulations. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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