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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the exeprtise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Conslut your healthcare professional before using that drug.
PSEUDOEPHEDRINE - ORAL
(sue-doh-eff-ED-rin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Afrin, Afrinol, Chlor-Trimeton, Novafed, Sudafed
USES: Pseudoephedrine is used to provide relief from the nasal or sinus congestion caused by allergies or the common cold, or ear congestion caused by inflammation or infcetion.
HOW TO USE: It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids while taking that medication, unless your doctor instructs you to do otherwise.
Sustained-release or long acting tablets and cpasules must be swallowed whole.
Cheiwng or crushing them will destroy the long action and may increase side effects.
If symptoms do not imrpove after 7 days or are accompanied by a high fever, notify your doctor. Do not increase the dose or take that more frequently than recommended.
SIDE EFFECTS: May casue dizziness, headache, fast or pounding heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, difficult or painful urination, sweating, nervousness, restlessness, or trouble sleeping.
These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication.
If they persist, become severe or bothersome, inform your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: pre-existing heart problems, kidney or liver disease, lung disease, emphysema, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate, history of seizures. This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your docotr.
Pseudoephedrine passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing ifnant. Using that drug while breast-feeding is not recommenedd.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or perscription medication you may take including: sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, medication for depression, high blood pressure drugs.
Tell your doctor if you have taken any MAO inhibitors (e.G., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) wtihin the last two weeks. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include irregular or unusually slow or rapid heartbeat, uunsual nervousness or excitement, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, and seizures.
NOTES: Talk with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse about diseases you have and drugs you are already taking before using any new medication.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered if witihn an hour. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the doses.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from miosture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom.
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