A. Sudafed is one of more than 100 over-the-counter and prescription decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine
pseudoephedrine HCl
Pseudoephedrine is used for the temporary relief of stuffy nose and sinus pain/pressure caused by infection or other breathing illnesses.
Does pseudoephedrine cause high blood pressure?
At standard doses, pseudoephedrine has no significant effect on systolic or diastolic blood pressure in patients with controlled hypertension. At standard doses, pseudoephedrine has no significant effect on systolic or diastolic blood pressure in patients with controlled hypertension.
What is pseudoephedrine used to treat?
What is pseudoephedrine? Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose). Pseudoephedrine is used to treat nasal and sinus congestion, or congestion of the tubes that drain fluid from your inner ears, called the eustachian (yoo-STAY-shun) tubes.
How much pseudoephedrine should you take daily?
Here are the common dosages of pseudoephedrine that one should take: For immediate release: 30 to 60 mg within 2 to 4 hours of gap. The maximum daily dose can be 240 mg. Crossing that limit may cause serious side effects. 12 mg will be enough for 6 hours of gap.
Can pseudoephedrine be taken with vasoconstrictors?
Due to the possibility of vasoconstriction and an increase in blood pressure, especially in patients at risk of ischemic stroke, the concomitant use of pseudoephedrine with vasoconstrictor drugs such as ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, linezolid, oxytocin, ephedrine, phenylephrine and bromocriptine is not recommended.
How do you lower high blood pressure quickly?
Increase activity and exercise more. ... Cut back on sugar and refined carbohydrates. ... Eat more potassium and less sodium. ... Eat less processed food. ... Stop smoking. ... Make sure to get good, restful sleep. ... Eat garlic or take garlic extract supplements. ... Take these BP-lowering supplements.More items...
What happens if you overdose on pseudoephedrine?
In extreme cases, death may occur. Symptoms of overdose also include headache, dizziness, anxiety, euphoria, tinnitus, blurred vision, ataxia, chest pain, tachycardia, palpitations, increased or decreased blood pressure, increased thirst, sweating, difficulty urinating, nausea and vomiting.
How much does pseudoephedrine raise blood pressure?
EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER. Pseudoephedrine is associated with an increase of less than 2 mmHg in systolic blood pressure systolic blood pressure (SBP) and no effect on diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in patients with hypertension.
How long does it take for Sudafed to get out of your system?
The half-life of pseudoephedrine is between 5 and 8 hours, though the more acidic the urine, the lower the half-life.
How do you treat Sudafed overdose?
Treatment of pseudoephedrine toxicosis consists of decontamination, controlling the CNS and cardiovascular effects, and supportive care. Vomiting should be induced only in asymptomatic patients, followed by administration of activated charcoal with a cathartic.
How long does phenylephrine stay in system?
The elimination half life of phenylephrine is about 2.5 to 3.0 hours. The clinical effects of a single intravenous bolus dose of phenylephrine are short lived and needs to be repeated every 10–15 minutes.
Can pseudoephedrine cause high blood pressure?
Unfortunately, the drug doesn't affect only the head — it tightens blood vessels throughout the body. One pseudoephedrine side effect is a possible increase in blood pressure. In general, this increase is minimal in people with controlled high blood pressure.
Why does pseudoephedrine raise blood pressure?
Decongestants relieve nasal stuffiness by narrowing blood vessels and reducing swelling in the nose. This narrowing can affect other blood vessels as well, which can increase blood pressure.
Does pseudoephedrine affect heart rate?
Pseudoephedrine caused statistically significant, but small, increases in systolic blood pressure (1 mm Hg) and heart rate (3 beats/min).
What are 3 adverse effects to Sudafed?
Nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, dizziness, headache, or nervousness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
What can you not mix with pseudoephedrine?
Do not take more pseudoephedrine than recommended. Caffeine can increase the side effects of this medication. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas), eating large amounts of chocolate, or taking nonprescription products that contain caffeine.
Does pseudoephedrine cause vasoconstriction?
Pseudoephedrine has a property of sympathomimetic α-adrenergic receptor agonist that causes vasoconstriction and reduction in edema throughout the nasal passages.
What decongestants are linked to hypertension?
In 2000, the FDA recommended the withdrawal of medications that contained another decongestant in the adrenaline family, phenylpropanolamine, which had been linked to an increased risk of hypertension and stroke.
Is Sudafed a prescription drug?
A. Sudafed is one of more than 100 over-the-counter and prescription decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine, which is chemically related to adrenaline. Adrenaline raises blood pressure and heart rate.
What is pseudoephedrine used for?
Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose). Pseudoephedrine is used to treat nasal and sinus congestion, or congestion of the tubes that drain fluid from your inner ears, called the eustachian (yoo-STAY-shun) tubes.
How long can you take pseudoephedrine?
Do not take pseudoephedrine for longer than 7 days in a row . Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash. If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using pseudoephedrine.
How to know if you are allergic to pseudoephedrine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to pseudoephedrine: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using pseudoephedrine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as: 1 fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat; 2 severe dizziness or anxiety; 3 easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or 4 dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, ringing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, trouble breathing, uneven heart rate, seizure).
What antidepressants interact with pseudoephedrine?
an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others. This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with pseudoephedrine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use.
Can you take stimulants with decongestants?
Taking a stimulant together with a decongestant can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cough or cold medicine. Pseudoephedrine or other decongestants are contained in many combination medicines.
Can you give a child pseudoephedrine?
Do not give pseudoephedrine to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Can you use pseudoephedrine while breastfeeding?
Do not use pseudoephedrine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Artificially sweetened liquid cold medicine may contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), check the medication label to see if the product contains phenylalanine.
What are the Uses of Pseudoephedrine?
The common, or rather, the most important use of Pseudoephedrine is self-treating your cough and cold. It provides an instant relief. Sinus pressure or pain in the migraine caused due to the overdose of injections can be treated with Pseudoephedrine.
Recommended Dosage of Pseudoephedrine
The resistance power of the body varies from person to person. The best way to know the perfect dosage is through consulting your doctor.
Overdose and Abuse of Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine has a history of abuse and overdose. Being a cough and cold drug, it has several side effects. Many a time teenagers misuse it for a non-medical purpose. Taking too much of this drug can lead to an increase in the heartbeat rate & blood pressure level. Withdrawal symptoms are quite often seen.
Symptoms of Pseudoephedrine High
For years Pseudoephedrine was used by athletes to enhance their performance ability. The drug is in the world anti-dropping agency list and is highly restricted. As the drug has an instant energy gaining ability, it brings a sense of tension in the whole body.
Who are at the Risk of Pseudoephedrine High?
For years it has been found that athletes use the drug as an energy stimulant that helps them to gain instant energy for every sport. Though most of them have denied this, there are rumors all around. The meth prepared from the product acts as an addictive stimulant, thereby attracting numerous teenagers.
Preventing Pseudoephedrine High
Rather be late than never. In case one is going through pseudoephedrine, high he/she immediately needs medical assistance. The physical symptoms mentioned above are often seen in people overdosing the drug. Here are some tips that can help to control the addiction:
Conclusion
You might be thinking when the drug has so many harmful effects then why is it prescribed by doctors? This is the best medicine for nasal congestion and other cough and cold problems. The drug itself is not harmful at all if it is taken according to the doctor’s instructions.
Is it safe to take sudafed?
All of this data indicates that it is most likely safe to take Sudafed (pse udoephedrine) for short periods of time in people who have controlled high blood pressure. You should not take Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) however, if you have uncontrolled hypertension, heart disease or other cardiac problems. If you need something to help relieve nasal ...
Is Sudafed safe for hypertension?
The authors of this study concluded extended release products appeared to be safe in the majority of medically controlled hypertensive patients without significant effects on blood pressure or heart rate. Yet another study tested Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) use in those taking a class of blood pressure medications known as beta-blockers.
Does Sudafed increase blood pressure?
While an effective nasal decongestant, Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) can potentially cause an increase in blood pressure due to how the medication works in our body. This is especially concerning in those that may have already have high blood pressure or other heart problems.
Is sudafed a good nasal spray?
If you are looking to avoid Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) altogether, you can try to following options: Normal saline nasal spray is a safe treatment. Look for products that state they are 'hypertonic'. These products will help reduce inflammation of the nasal passages more than non-hypertonic products.
Is Sudafed safe for high blood pressure?
This may not be entirely accurate. Based on the available data, Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) may be a safe and viable option, even if you do have high blood pressure.
Does Sudafed change diastolic pressure?
A fter the study was completed, the authors concluded that the acute ( short term) administration of Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) did not change systolic or diastolic blood pressure from baseline.
What is pseudoephedrine used for?
Pseudoephedrine is a powerful medication for the treatment of congestion and occasionally for the treatment of cough as it helps open the airways. But it also has more complicated and devious uses. Lesson. Quiz.
Why is pseudoephedrine used as a stimulant?
Pseudoephedrine is sometimes used for it's properties as a stimulant because it makes people more energetic, alert, and excitable. However, it can also cause decreased appetite, increased blood pressure, and increased heart rate.
What happens if you overdose on a drug?
A patient who has overdosed may experience an irregular heart rhythm, heart attack, hallucinations, psychosis, ataxia, stroke, hypertension, or death. Any suspected overdose or adverse effects from taking the medication should be managed at a hospital.
Do you need an ID to buy pseudoephedrine?
This is why ID is required to buy pseudoephedrine, buying limits are in place, and some states require a prescription for any purchase. An overdose of pseudoephedrine is potentially fatal and most complications are related to the stimulant properties.
Can you mix too many cough pills with pseudoephedrine?
This means that they can happen by accidentally combining too many medications that contain pseudoephedrine if an individual is not carefully monitoring what is in normal cough and cold remedies. It is also important to keep all medications away from children as they may mistake brightly colored medication for candy.
What are the side effects of beta blockers?
Beta-Blockers: Perhaps the most common overdose side effect is fatigue. Blurred vision, breathing, irregular heartbeats, convulsion, drowsiness, nervousness, coma, are some of the side effects. Calcium channel blockers: The role of calcium channel blockers is to reduce flow of blood into the heart. Calcium channel blockers overdose can cause ...
What are the side effects of taking diuretics?
Overdose of diuretics can cause muscle cramps, breathlessness, drowsiness, fever, rashes on skin, dehydration due to increased urine output, fainting, vomiting, lethargy, etc.
Is high blood pressure a cause of morbidity?
High blood pressure today is considered as one of the highest causes of morbidity. Billions of people all over the world suffer from this silent killer. It is the prominent cause of cardiovascular disease.
Can calcium channel blockers cause low blood pressure?
Calcium channel blockers overdose can cause confusion, and alteration in mental state. It can also result in very low blood pressure. It can also lead to lactic acidosis. Vasodilator over dosage: It can cause headache, increased heart rate, retention of sodium and water leading to swelling in lower leg, face and abdomen.
What is pseudoephedrine and pyrilamine?
Pyrilamine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
What is the most important information I should know about pseudoephedrine and pyrilamine?
You should not use this medication if you have severe constipation, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, or if you are unable to urinate.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pseudoephedrine and pyrilamine?
Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
How should I take pseudoephedrine and pyrilamine?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. This medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since this medicine is taken when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking pseudoephedrine and pyrilamine?
This medicine may cause blurred vision or impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.
Potential Risks of Pseudoephedrine Use
- The most severe risks of pseudoephedrine use occur in those who take oral or injected preparations of the drug, not nasal preparations. Some complications of use include nausea, sweating, unusually rapid heartbeat, skin flushing, narrowing of the blood vessels that produces high blood pressure, a form of heart-related chest pain known as angina, insomnia, paranoia, me…
Severe Side Effects of Pseudoephedrine Overdose
- While the effects listed above are more consistent with continued use and not generally life-threatening, some symptoms can occur when the dose is increased. While pseudoephedrine may be viewed as less harmful than other drugs based on its classification as an over-the-counter drug, that should not allow someone to consider it as a safe alternative. All drugs carry the pote…
Pseudoephedrine Treatment
- There are many different pathways to treat those who are ready to give up abusing pseudoephedrine. Long-term residential treatment for pseudoephedrine abuse typically lasts 30 to 90 days depending on the severity of the addiction. It might be the most optimal course of action. The client may find residential treatment benefits them more if they’ve ...