Sudafed

 
Generic Name: pseudoephedrine

Brands: Afrinol, Cenafed, Chlor Trimeton Nasal Decongestant, Decofed, Dimetapp Decongestant, Drixoral Non-Drowsy, Efidac, Genaphed, Pediacare Drops, Ridafed, Sudafed, Sudrine, Suphedrin, Triaminic A.M.

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

· Do not take Sudafed for longer than 7 days if your condition does not improve or if symptoms are accompanied by a high fever.

· Do not take more of this medication than is recommended on the package or by your doctor.

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Sudafed may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

· Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release, timed-release, or 12-hour formulations of Sudafed. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in the body.

 

What is Sudafed?

· Sudafed is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood vessels (veins and arteries) in the nose, lungs, and other mucus membranes. By decreasing blood flow to the nose, lungs, and other areas, Sudafed decreases congestion, and airways are opened up.

· Sudafed is used to treat congestion associated with allergies, hay fever, sinus irritation, and the common cold.

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

 

Who should not take Sudafed?

· Do not take Sudafed if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have     ·high blood pressure;     ·heart disease, hardening of the arteries, or irregular heartbeats;     ·thyroid problems;     ·diabetes;     ·glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye(s);     ·an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating;     ·liver disease; or     ·kidney disease.

· You may not be able to take Sudafed, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Do not take Sudafed without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· Sudafed passes into breast milk however, it is generally considered safe for use during breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor before taking Sudafed if you are breast-feeding a baby.

· If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Sudafed. You may require a lower dose of the medication. Using a short-acting formulation of Sudafed (not a long-acting or controlled-release formulation) may be safer if you are over 60 years of age.

 

How should I take Sudafed?

· Take Sudafed exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the instructions that accompany the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Do not crush, chew, or break any extended-release, timed-release, or 12-hour forms of Sudafed. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly into the body.

· To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure liquid forms of Sudafed with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

· Do not take more of this medication than is recommended on the package or by your doctor.

· Do not take Sudafed for longer than 7 days if your condition does not improve or if symptoms are accompanied by a high fever.

· Store Sudafed at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Sudafed overdose include extreme tiredness, sweating, dizziness, a slow heartbeat, and coma.

 

What should I avoid while taking Sudafed?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Sudafed may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

 

What are the possible side effects of Sudafed?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects from this medication, stop taking Sudafed and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·seizures;     ·unusual behavior or hallucinations; or     ·irregular or fast heartbeats.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Sudafed and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·dizziness, lightheadedness, or drowsiness;     ·headache;     ·insomnia;     ·anxiety;     ·tremor (shaking) or restlessness;     ·nausea or vomiting; or     ·sweating.

· 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 Sudafed?

· Do not take Sudafed if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Sudafed. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about Sudafed written for health professionals that you may read.

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