{"id":9415,"date":"2020-03-04T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-04T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=9415"},"modified":"2020-10-22T15:15:14","modified_gmt":"2020-10-22T19:15:14","slug":"what-is-sudafed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-is-sudafed\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Sudafed and what is it used for?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you have a stuffy nose or sinus pain, finding relief from these symptoms is likely at the top of your mind. Sudafed is a popular decongestant that you may unintentionally pass up in local drugstores since it\u2019s kept behind the pharmacy counter. This article gives an overview of Sudafed, its uses, dosages, side effects, and why it sometimes requires a prescription.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Sudafed?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sudafed<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>pseudoephedrine<\/span><\/a>) is a medication that treats a stuffy nose, sinus pain, and sinus pressure. These symptoms are often a result of a cold or the flu, but allergies and respiratory illnesses can also cause them as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sudafed is a brand-name medication that\u2019s manufactured by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a Johnson & Johnson company. It belongs to a class of stimulant drugs called amphetamines. Amphetamines are derived from the <\/span>ephedra plant<\/span><\/a>, which has been used for centuries to treat congestion, asthma, and many other ailments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Sudafed used for?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sudafed can be used to treat symptoms of the <\/span>cold and flu<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>allergies<\/span><\/a>, hay fever, and sinusitis. It relieves sinus congestion by constricting blood vessels in the sinuses, which reduces inflammation. It\u2019s important to know that Sudafed only treats symptoms, not the underlying health condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sudafed dosages<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is available for purchase behind the pharmacy counter in immediate- and extended-release tablets and as a <\/span>liquid solution for children<\/span><\/a>. Note: Sudafed PE (phenylephrine) is available for purchase over-the-counter in different dosages. The table below includes standard doses of Sudafed\u2014<\/span>not<\/span><\/i> Sudafed PE:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
How much Sudafed should I take?<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Adults (12 and older)<\/strong><\/td>\nChildren ages 6-11<\/strong><\/td>\nChildren under 6 years<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2 tablets taken every 4-6 hours (maximum 8 tablets in 24 hours)<\/td>\n1 tablet taken every 4-6 hours (maximum 4 tablets in 24 hours)<\/td>\nTaken only if recommended by a doctor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

These dosages may vary depending on the strength and form of Sudafed you\u2019re taking. A medical professional can help you determine how much Sudafed you should take.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sudafed can start working within 30 minutes. Immediate-release forms of Sudafed can begin to wear off after four to six hours. Extended-release versions of Sudafed last longer, so you don\u2019t have to take it as frequently.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Warnings<\/b><\/h3>\n

Do not rely on Sudafed for long-term use. If your symptoms don\u2019t go away after seven days of using Sudafed, a doctor can advise you on what to do next.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Furthermore, Sudafed isn\u2019t right for everyone. \u201cThe indications for Sudafed say that it isn\u2019t safe for use in children under 2 years old, and should only be used with a doctor\u2019s guidance from age 2 to 6,\u201d says Dr. Maria Vila, DO, a medical advisor for<\/span> eMediHealth<\/span><\/a>. \u201cOther patients who should not use Sudafed are pregnant women during the first trimester.\u201d Sudafed should only be used during the second or third trimester if approved by your OB-GYN.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Women who are <\/span>breastfeeding<\/span><\/a> should ask a doctor before taking Sudafed, as it passes to breast milk and may cause a decrease in milk production.<\/span><\/p>\n

Interactions<\/b><\/h3>\n

There are also some negative drug-drug interactions to be aware of before taking Sudafed. \u201cThe final group of patients who should not use Sudafed, regardless of their age, are patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure, patients with heart disease, patients taking MAO inhibitors, and patients with angle-closure glaucoma,\u201d Dr. Vila says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking Sudafed at the same time as other medications may decrease its efficacy or worsen side effects. If you\u2019re taking any of the following medications, you should talk to your doctor before you take Sudafed:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n