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What is Sudafed Sinus Congestion: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Sudafed Sinus Congestion overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • 12-Hour Cold Relief, 12 Hour Decongestant, Children's Sudafed, Congestion, Contac 12-Hour, Genaphed, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Nasal Decongestant, Good Neighbor Suphedrine Children's, Good Sense 12 Hour Decongestant, Good Sense Nasal Decongestant, Health Mart Nasal Decongestant, Kodet Se, Leader 12-Hour Nasal Decongestant, Leader Nasal Decongestant, Nasal Decongestant

Generic Names:

  • Pseudoephedrine Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats stuffy nose and sinuses.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Decongestant

Forms:

  • Long Acting Capsule, Capsule, Long Acting Tablet, Tablet, Liquid, Chewable Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Sudafed Sinus Congestion come in

  • Long Acting Capsule

  • Capsule

  • Long Acting Tablet

  • Tablet

  • Liquid

  • Chewable Tablet

What are common Sudafed Sinus Congestion doses?

  • Box 24 Tablets

  • Box 48 Tablets

How to take Sudafed Sinus Congestion

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription. If this medicine makes you feel restless, avoid taking it at bedtime.

  • Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or break.

  • The chewable tablet must be chewed completely before you swallow it. Do not swallow it whole.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription. If this medicine makes you feel restless, avoid taking it at bedtime.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • The chewable tablet must be chewed completely before you swallow it. Do not swallow it whole.

  • Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or break.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Sudafed Sinus Congestion

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Sudafed Sinus Congestion contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to pseudoephedrine. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

Sudafed Sinus Congestion warnings

  • Check with your doctor before using if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate, or an overactive thyroid.

  • You should not use this medicine for more than 7 days unless ordered by a doctor.

  • If you do not get better after using this medicine for 7 days, or if you have a fever, talk to your doctor.

  • Wheezing or shortness of breath

  • Convulsions (seizures)

  • Severe restlessness

  • Hallucinations

Sudafed Sinus Congestion interactions

  • You should not use pseudoephedrine with cocaine or monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (Parnate®, Marplan®, Eldepryl®).

  • You should not use this medicine for more than 7 days unless ordered by a doctor.

  • If you do not get better after using this medicine for 7 days, or if you have a fever, talk to your doctor.

Sudafed Sinus Congestion side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Convulsions (seizures)

  • Hallucinations

  • Severe restlessness

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Chest pain

  • Very fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

  • Wheezing or shortness of breath

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Nausea or upset stomach

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Headache

  • Nervousness or dizziness

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