Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

Category:

Sympathomimetic

Description:

Decongestant

Indications:

Nasal decongestion associated with common cold, allergies, and sinusitis
Promotes nasal or sinus drainage

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to sympathomimetics, severe hypertension
Severe coronary artery disease

Precautions:

Pregnancy category C; compatible with breast feeding
Heart diseased, coronary insufficiency, dysrhythmias, angina
Hyperthyroidism, diabetes, mellitus, prostatic hypertrophy
Increased intracranial pressure, hypovolemia, mild to moderate hypertension

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

CNS: anxiety, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, hallucinations, headache, insomnia, tremors
CV: chest pain, dysrhythmias, palpitations, tachycardia
GI: anorexia, nausea, vomiting
GU: dysuria, urinary retention
METAB: hyperglycemia

Dosage:

Administered orally (tablet, syrup, sustained release tablet/capsule)

Adult: PO 60mg every 4-6 hours; PO SUS REL 120mg every 12 hours or 240mg once daily, max 240mg daily
Child: PO 6-11 years 30mg every 4-6 hours, max 120mg daily; 2-5 years 15mg every 4-6 hours, max 60mg daily; <2 years 4 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hours

Drug interactions:

MAOIs: hypertensive crisis
Antacids: sodium bicarbonate doses sufficient to alkalinize urine can inhibit elimination of pseudoephedrine

Source: Operational Medicine 2001, Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300