Why is this medication prescribed?  

Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve nasal discomfort caused by colds, allergies, and hay fever. It is also used to relieve sinus congestion and pressure. Pseudoephedrine is in a class of medications called sympathomimetic agents that are used as nasal decongestants. It works by causing narrowing of the blood vessels of swollen nasal mucous membranes to reduce nasal congestion and allow drainage of sinus passages.

How should this medicine be used?  

Pseudoephedrine comes as a regular tablet, a chewable tablet, a 12-hour extended-release (long-acting) tablet, a 24-hour extended-release tablet, and a solution (liquid). The regular tablets, chewable tablets, liquid, or drops usually are taken every 4-6 hours, but you should not take more than 4 doses in a 24-hour period. The 12-hour extended-release tablets usually are taken every 12 hours, and you should not take more than 2 doses in a 24-hour period. The 24-hour extended-release tablets usually are taken once a day, and you should not take more than one dose in a 24-hour period. To help prevent trouble sleeping, take the last dose of the day several hours before bedtime. Follow the directions on the package label or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take pseudoephedrine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your symptoms should improve during your treatment. If your symptoms do not get better within 7 days or if you have a fever, stop taking pseudoephedrine and call your doctor.

Do not break, crush, or chew extended-release tablets; swallow them whole.

Do not give extended-release tablets to children younger than 12 years of age.

Other uses for this medicine     

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?     

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). The chewable tablets and concentrated solution (drops) should be protected from light; store in the outer carton until the medication is used. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose     

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?     

If you are taking pseudoephedrine 24-hour extended-release tablets, you may notice something that looks like a tablet in your stool. This is just the empty tablet shell, and this does not mean that you did not get your complete dose of medication.

You should know that pseudoephedrine may used in combination with other medications to treat colds, allergies, and sinus headaches. Be sure to read the information provided for the patient when taking combination products to be sure that you are not taking additional medications that contain the same ingredient.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about pseudoephedrine.

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