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In this Article

• What is pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)?
• What are the possible side effects of pseudoephedrine?
• What is the most important information I should know about pseudoephedrine?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pseudoephedrine?
• How should I take pseudoephedrine?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking pseudoephedrine?
• What other drugs will affect pseudoephedrine?
• Where can I get more information?

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?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

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.

Do not use any other over-the-counter cough or cold medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Pseudoephedrine is contained in many over-the-counter medications. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of a certain drug. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains pseudoephedrine.

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.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with 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 can provide more information about pseudoephedrine.

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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