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Pseudoephedrine


  • Do not take with other preparations containing a decongestant. Ask your pharmacist to advise you which products to avoid.
  • Side-effects may include anxiety and difficulty sleeping.

About pseudoephedrine

Type of medicineDecongestant
Used forNasal and sinus congestion
Also calledGalpseud®
Sudafed®
Available asTablets and oral liquid

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant used to treat nasal and sinus congestion. This occurs when the blood vessels and tissues in the nose and sinuses become inflamed causing the feeling of a blocked nose and headache. Pseudoephedrine causes the blood vessels to shrink helping to relieve these symptoms.

Before taking pseudoephedrine

Before taking pseudoephedrine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have heart disease.
  • If you have kidney problems.
  • If you have high blood pressure.
  • If you have diabetes mellitus.
  • If you have glaucoma.
  • If you have an overactive thyroid.
  • If you suffer from prostate problems.
  • If you are taking (or have recently taken) antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI's).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • Pseudoephedrine is not recommended in children under 6 years of age.

How to take pseudoephedrine

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take pseudoephedrine exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. It should not be taken for more than 5 days in children (ages 6-12 only).

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines. Pseudoephedrine must not be taken with other remedies which contain a decongestant.

Can pseudoephedrine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome:

Anxiety, restlessness, problems sleeping, being aware of a fast or fluttering heartbeat.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store pseudoephedrine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2009DocID: 3867DocRef: dils3896Last Reviewed: 12 May 2009Version: 22
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