Pseudoephedrine is a nasal decongestant that works by causing vasoconstriction in the nasal passages to relieve congestion. It is used for temporary relief of nasal congestion from colds, allergies, and sinusitis. Pseudoephedrine should be used cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and the elderly due to risks of adverse effects like hypertension, arrhythmias, and CNS effects. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, insomnia, and nausea. Overdose can cause seizures, CNS depression, and cardiovascular collapse.
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Pseudoephedrine is a nasal decongestant that works by causing vasoconstriction in the nasal passages to relieve congestion. It is used for temporary relief of nasal congestion from colds, allergies, and sinusitis. Pseudoephedrine should be used cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and the elderly due to risks of adverse effects like hypertension, arrhythmias, and CNS effects. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, insomnia, and nausea. Overdose can cause seizures, CNS depression, and cardiovascular collapse.
Pseudoephedrine is a nasal decongestant that works by causing vasoconstriction in the nasal passages to relieve congestion. It is used for temporary relief of nasal congestion from colds, allergies, and sinusitis. Pseudoephedrine should be used cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and the elderly due to risks of adverse effects like hypertension, arrhythmias, and CNS effects. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, insomnia, and nausea. Overdose can cause seizures, CNS depression, and cardiovascular collapse.
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Pseudoephedrine is a nasal decongestant that works by causing vasoconstriction in the nasal passages to relieve congestion. It is used for temporary relief of nasal congestion from colds, allergies, and sinusitis. Pseudoephedrine should be used cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and the elderly due to risks of adverse effects like hypertension, arrhythmias, and CNS effects. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, insomnia, and nausea. Overdose can cause seizures, CNS depression, and cardiovascular collapse.
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pseudoephedrine sulfate Drixoral Non-Drowsy Formula
Pregnancy Category C
Drug classes Nasal decongestant Sympathomimetic amine
Therapeutic actions Effects are mediated by alpha-adrenergic receptors; causes vasoconstriction in mucous membranes of nasal passages, resulting in their shrinkage, which promotes drainage and improves ventilation.
Indications • Temporary relief of nasal congestion caused by the common cold, hay fever, other respiratory allergies • Nasal congestion associated with sinusitis • Promotes nasal or sinus drainage • Relief of eustachian tube congestion
Contraindications and cautions
• Contraindicated with MAOI therapy, allergy or idiosyncrasy to sympathomimetic amines, severe hypertension and coronary artery disease. • Use cautiously with hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, arteriosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, increased IOP, prostatic hypertrophy, lactation, pregnancy.
Available forms Tablets—30, 60 mg; CR tablets—240 mg; ER tablets—120 mg; chewable tablets— 15 mg; capsules—30, 60 mg; liquid—15, 30 mg/5 mL; drops—7.5 mg/0.8 mL
Dosages ADULTS 60 mg q 4–6 hr PO (sustained-release, 120 mg PO q 12 hr; 240 mg/day CR); do not exceed 240 mg in 24 hr. PEDIATRIC PATIENTS • 3–12 mo: 3 drops/kg q 4–6 hr PO, up to 4 doses per day. • 1–2 yr: 7 drops (0.02 mL/kg) q 4–6 hr PO; up to 4 doses per day. • 2–5 yr: 15 mg as syrup q 4–6 hr PO; do not exceed 60 mg in 24 hr. • 6–12 yr: 30 mg q 4–6 hr PO; do not exceed 120 mg in 24 hr. GERIATRIC PATIENTS These patients are more likely to experience adverse reactions; use with caution.
Pharmacokinetics Route Onset Duration Oral 30 min 4–6 hr
Metabolism: Hepatic; T1/2: 7 hr
Distribution: Crosses placenta; enters breast milk Excretion: Urine
Interventions • Administer cautiously to patients with CV disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, increased IOP, hypertension, and to patients > 60 yr who may have increased sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines. • Avoid prolonged use; underlying medical problems may be causing the congestion. • Monitor CV effect carefully; hypertensive patients who take this drug may experience changes in BP because of the additional vasoconstriction. However, if a nasal decongestant is needed, pseudoephedrine is the drug of choice.
Teaching points • Do not exceed the recommended daily dose; serious overdose can occur. Use caution when using more than one over-the-counter preparation because many of these drugs contain pseudoephedrine, and unintentional overdose may occur. • Avoid prolonged use because underlying medical problems can be disguised. • These side effects may occur: Dizziness, weakness, restlessness, light-headedness, tremors (avoid driving or performing hazardous tasks). • Report palpitations, nervousness, sleeplessness, sweating.
Adverse effects in Italic are most common; those in Bold are life-threatening.
