When you have a cold, your nose is blocked on both sides and it's very difficult to breathe, isn't it? Sometimes you feel heavy in the head and your forehead hurts on both sides, so you think it's a sinus problem. So, at times like this, Pseudoephedrine is a medicine that many of us use to reduce nasal congestion. But before using this medicine, there are many important things we need to know. Let's be aware of it today.
Simply put, what is Pseudoephedrine?
Pseudoephedrine is a medication that treats symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sinus pressure. It belongs to a class of drugs called 'decongestants.'
Imagine that the tiny blood vessels inside your nose swell up when mucus builds up, narrowing the passages. It makes it hard to breathe and feels stuffy. This medicine works by restoring those swollen blood vessels to their normal state. This opens up space inside your nose, making it easier to breathe again. You can find this medicine on the market under names like Sudafed and Zephrex-D.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you use Pseudoephedrine, you should definitely inform your doctor if you have any of the following health conditions, as this medicine is not suitable for everyone.
- Diabetes: This can affect blood sugar levels.
- Glaucoma: Eye pressure can increase.
- Heart disease: This can be dangerous for heart patients because it increases heart rate and blood pressure.
- High blood pressure: This medication may increase blood pressure.
- Kidney disease: The process of removing medication from the body can be affected.
- Thyroid disease: Thyroid hormone levels can be affected.
- Prostate problems in men: Difficulty urinating may increase.
- MAOI medications: If you are taking MAOI medications like Carbex, Marplan, or Nardil for depression or another condition (or have stopped within the last 14 days), it is not a good idea to take this medication. Combining these two medications can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
- If you have allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes.
Using this medicine without talking to your doctor about these conditions can cause serious health problems. So be honest and tell everything.
How should the medicine be used?
This medicine should be taken by mouth with a glass of water. Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as directed on the medicine box or in the instructions provided by your doctor. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
If your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of regular use, or if your symptoms worsen with a fever, see your doctor again immediately.
Something special about children and adults
If this medicine is given to children under the age of 6, it should be done only on the advice of a doctor. Also, since the body of people over the age of 65 may react a little more strongly to this medicine, they may need a lower dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you have any suspicion that you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other drugs that may interact with Pseudoephedrine
This medicine can have dangerous effects when combined with other medications, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Drug category | Description |
|---|---|
| Do not take Pseudoephedrine with these at all. | |
| MAOI-type drugs | As mentioned above, this can cause very dangerously high blood pressure. |
| Bromocriptine, Ergot alkaloids | These are also medications that can affect blood pressure and the heart. |
| If you are taking this medicine, talk to your doctor. | |
| Blood pressure medication | Pseudoephedrine can reduce the effectiveness of these medications. |
| Medications for mental illness | Interactions may occur with drugs such as Fluoxetine and Sertraline. |
| Caffeine, Alcohol | Side effects such as increased heart rate and restlessness may increase. |
| Other cold medicines | Since many cold medicines may also contain decongestants, there is a risk of overdose. |
Possible side effects of taking the medicine
Like any medicine, Pseudoephedrine can cause side effects in some people.
| Side effect | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Palpitations | Feeling like your heart is beating fast and pounding. |
| Increased blood pressure | Symptoms such as severe headache and dizziness. |
| Things that are common, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Restlessness, restlessness | Anxiety, nervousness |
| Headache | Headache |
| Insomnia | Trouble sleeping |
Does this medicine make you sleepy?
No. Pseudoephedrine does not usually make you sleepy. In fact, it can actually make it harder for some people to fall asleep.
Take-Home Message
- Pseudoephedrine is only a temporary relief for symptoms like nasal congestion. It will not cure your cold or infection.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all other medical conditions you have (especially high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes) and all other medicines you are taking .
- Never use more than the prescribed dose .
- If you feel your heart beating fast or show signs of an allergy, seek medical advice immediately.
- Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Dispose of any leftover medicine safely.
- Before using any medication, it is best and safest to talk to your doctor to see if it is right for you.
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