The biggest problem with a cold is a stuffy nose and runny nose. Sometimes the sinuses get blocked and the head feels heavy. At times like this, your doctor may have given you a medicine called 'Pseudoephedrine'. Today we are going to talk about this medicine. That is, we will take a detailed look at how to use it, who should be careful, and what the side effects are.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It works by shrinking the swollen blood vessels inside your nose. This reduces the stuffiness and tightness in your nose, making it easier to breathe. It also reduces pressure in your sinuses. It usually comes as an extended-release tablet.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It may be risky to take this medicine if you have certain health conditions. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
| If you have these conditions, inform your doctor before taking the medicine. | |
|---|---|
| Heart disease and blood pressure | Any type of heart disease, high blood pressure |
| Other chronic diseases | Diabetes, Glaucoma, Thyroid disease, Kidney disease |
| Urinary and bowel problems | Difficulty urinating, prostate problems, bowel problems |
| Use of other medications | If you have taken MAOI-type antidepressants (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan) in the past 14 days. |
| Special occasions | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to pseudoephedrine or any other medicine, food, or coloring. |
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to know exactly how to use this medicine.
- Swallow this pill with a glass of water.
- Since this is an extended-release tablet, never break, crush, or chew this tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
- Take the medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
- If given to children: Although this medicine is recommended for children over 12 years of age for some conditions, special care should be taken. Therefore, if giving it to a child, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
- People over 65 years of age: Older people may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, so they may need a lower dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly.
This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications, foods, and beverages can interact with pseudoephedrine, so it's important to tell your doctor about everything you use.
| Never take pseudoephedrine with these. |
|---|
| MAOI antidepressants (e.g. Nardil, Parnate) |
| Ergot alkaloids (e.g. ergotamine) |
| Bromocriptine |
| Attention disorders, stimulant medications for weight loss or alertness |
| Tell your doctor as these may interact. |
| Alcohol, Caffeine, St. John's Wort |
| Medications for high blood pressure, mental illness, and insomnia |
| Other medicines taken for colds, coughs, or allergies |
| Other medications such as Digoxin, Linezolid, Mecamylamine |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal products you take. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- If your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if they get worse, see a doctor. If you have a fever, see a doctor.
- If this medication is making it hard for you to sleep, try taking it a little earlier in the day. However, if you continue to have trouble sleeping, stop taking the medication and talk to your doctor.
- Some brands of this tablet shell do not dissolve. So it may pass out completely with your stool. This is normal, so don't worry about it.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, pseudoephedrine can cause side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat |
| Heartbeat | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, hard, or irregularly (heart palpitations) |
| Increased blood pressure | Sudden increase in blood pressure |
| Usually not serious, but tell your doctor if it persists. | |
| Psychological effects | Anxiety, nervousness |
| Other | Headache, difficulty sleeping |
How do you store and dispose of medication?
- Keep away from children. This is very important.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-25 degrees Celsius), away from moisture and heat.
- If you have unused medications, mix them with ground coffee grounds or cat litter, put them in a tightly sealed container, and throw them away. This is important to prevent accidents if a child, pet, or other person accidentally ingests them.
- Do not use expired medicines.
Take-Home Message
- Pseudoephedrine is an effective medication for nasal congestion and sinus congestion.
- Since this is an extended-release pill, never break, crush, or chew the pill.
- If you have conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or are taking other medications, inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
- If you experience serious side effects such as rapid heartbeat or allergic reactions, seek medical advice immediately.
- Always keep medicines in a safe place, out of the reach of children.
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