All products from the makers of SUDAFED® contain a nasal decongestant, either pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. Because, pseudoephedrine can be used to illegally manufacture methamphetamines (also known as meth), federal regulations require that it be sold behind the pharmacy or service counter.
What is the main drug in Sudafed?
The active ingredient in Sudafed is pseudoephedrine, while the active ingredient in Sudafed PE is phenylephrine. Both are available as the generics pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, respectively.
What is the drug Sudafed used for? Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies, and hay fever. It is also used to temporarily relieve sinus congestion and pressure. Pseudoephedrine will relieve symptoms but will not treat the cause of the symptoms or speed recovery.
Why does pseudoephedrine make me feel good?
Pseudoephedrine belongs to a group of medicines that act as decongestants by constricting small blood vessels in the nasal passages. Thus, less inflammation and congestion as the sinus tissue settles down a bit. It may improve thinking by improving breathing and sleep.
Why is pseudoephedrine a banned substance?
Pseudoephedrine (PSE), a sympathomimetic drug, commonly used in nasal decongestants, is currently banned in sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), as its stimulant activity is claimed to enhance performance. This meta-analysis described the effects of PSE on factors relating to sport performance.
Who should not take Sudafed?
high blood pressure. significant uncontrolled high blood pressure. severe disease of the arteries of the heart. enlarged prostate.
What are 3 adverse effects to Sudafed?
Nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, dizziness, headache, or nervousness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor promptly if you have dizziness, nervousness, or trouble sleeping.
What are the long term effects of Sudafed?
Taking decongestants containing pseudoephedrine by mouth long term can lead to other problems, including seizures, hallucinations, headaches, and insomnia. If you have lingering congestion, talk to your doctor, because there are other ways to treat it.
Can I take Sudafed everyday?
Sudafed Congestion Do not take more than eight tablets every 24 hours. Children ages 6–11 years: Take one tablet every four to six hours. Do not take more than four tablets every 24 hours. Children younger than 6 years: Do not use this medication for children younger than 6 years.
Is Sudafed good for cough?
Try SUDAFED® to Relieve Head Congestion, Cold and Flu Symptoms. A multi-symptom medicine can help relieve the congestion, coughing and aches that typically accompany the cold, flu and head congestion.
Can pseudoephedrine make you fail drug test?
Used for sinus and nasal congestion, pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can be the cause of false positive tests for amphetamine or methamphetamine.
Does pseudoephedrine treat ADHD?
I can say that pseudoephedrine is unlikely to have any significant benefit in adult ADHD. I think she would benefit from seeing a provider to find the right diagnosis and treatment for her nasal complaints and to determine whether she does have ADHD or another condition requiring treatment.
Is pseudoephedrine make you sleepy?
Decongestants. Since the main symptom of a cold is congestion in your nose and/or chest, cold medicines usually contain a decongestant ingredient. Examples include phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine. These typically do not cause drowsiness and can make some people feel hyper or more alert.
What is a good substitute for pseudoephedrine?
Alternatives to decongestants In the drug realm, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin) can help with a stuffy nose are safe for the heart.
What’s the difference between pseudoephedrine and ephedrine?
Ephedrine applied to the nasal mucosa reduces nasal resistance more quickly and strongly than oral pseudoephedrine, but with shorter action time [10], [11]. At end of treatment, there may be a rebound effect with increased nasal resistance and recurrence of congestion, for which several hypotheses have been suggested.
Should you take pseudoephedrine at night?
To help prevent trouble in sleeping, take the last dose of pseudoephedrine for each day a few hours before bedtime. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.