Pseudoephedrine: What to Know Before You Take It
Also known as Sudafed
A patient-focused safety profile with information from public regulatory sources.
In plain language
What Pseudoephedrine is used for
Uses temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies temporarily relieves sinus congestion and pressure
Read before you decide
Risks and precautions
Risks and warnings
Warnings Do not use if you are now taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (certain drugs for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease), or for 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI drug. If you do not know if your prescription drug contains an MAOI, ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. Ask a doctor before use if you have heart disease high blood pressure thyroid disease diabetes trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland When using this product do not exceed recommended dosage Stop use and ask a doctor if nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness occur symptoms do not improve within 7 days or occur with a fever If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (1-800-222-1222)
FDA safety data
Most-reported side effects
Based on 25,333 FAERS reports. Reports do not prove the drug caused the effect.
Regulatory record
FDA recalls (9)
Failed Dissolution Specifications
Recalling firm: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Inc.
Failed Dissolution Specifications
Recalling firm: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Inc.
Failed dissolution specifications
Recalling firm: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Inc.
Failed dissolution specifications
Recalling firm: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Inc.
Failed dissolution specifications
Recalling firm: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Inc.
Failed Moisture Limits
Recalling firm: SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES INC
Failed Moisture Limits
Recalling firm: SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES INC
CGMP Deviations: Intermittent exposure to temperature excursion during storage.
Recalling firm: Cardinal Health Inc.
Defective Container: An unacceptable level of blister defects have been identified in Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine Sulfate Extended Release Tablets, 10 mg/240 mg.
Recalling firm: Ohm Laboratories, Inc.
Common questions
Patient questions
What is Pseudoephedrine prescribed for?
Uses temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies temporarily relieves sinus congestion and pressure
What are the key warnings and safety precautions for Pseudoephedrine?
Warnings Do not use if you are now taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (certain drugs for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease), or for 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI drug. If you do not know if your prescription drug contains an MAOI, ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. Ask a doctor before use if you have heart disease high blood pressure thyroid disease diabetes trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland When using this product do not exceed recommended dosage Stop use and ask a doctor if nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness occur symptoms do not improve within 7 days or occur with a fever If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (1-800-222-1222)
Does Pseudoephedrine interact with other medications or foods?
Pseudoephedrine has 0 documented drug interaction(s) and 0 food interaction(s) in clinical databases. Always provide your complete medication list to your clinician.
This information is educational — not medical advice.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.