Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Sudafed film-coated tablets is an over-the-counter drug that relieves the symptoms of swelling of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses. The indication for use is the occurrence of the aforementioned ailments in the course of colds, flu and allergic rhinitis. The active substance in Sudafed is pseudoephedrine. Before starting the use of Sudafed, read the package leaflet, especially contraindications, dosage and possible side effects.
What is Sudafed?
Sudafed tablets are a drug intended for adults and children over 12 years of age. It belongs to the OTC group of drugs, so it can be obtained without a prescription. One film-coated tablet of Sudafed contains 60 mg pseudoefedryny. Sudafed can be used in the event of symptoms associated with colds, flu or allergies related to the congestion of the upper respiratory mucosa – especially in the nose and paranasal sinuses. Therefore, the indication for taking Sudafed is a runny nose and stuffy nose.
Regarding the appearance of Sudafed film-coated tablets, they are round and biconvex, have a brown-red color. One side of the tablet is marked SUDAFED. In addition to the form in question, it is also available in preparations such as a syrup or a nasal spray.
Sudafed – contraindications
One of the main contraindications to the use of Sudafed tablets is allergy to pseudoephedrine or excipients of the drug. The product should not be used by people suffering from severe coronary artery disease or severe hypertension. Also, some drugs should not be used simultaneously with Sudafed – we are talking about furazolidone and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
Sudafed contains lactose – if you are lactose intolerant, consult your doctor before using the drug.
In the case of pregnant and breastfeeding women, the use of Sudafed is allowed only after consulting a doctor.
Sudafed – interactions with other drugs
Sudafed should not be used in parallel with the antibacterial furazolidone and used, inter alia, by people treated for depression with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Additionally, a medical consultation is recommended if the patient is taking hypotensive drugs, psychotropic drugs, antidepressants (tricyclic), suppressing appetite or limiting congestion of mucous membranes.
Sudafed – dosage
Sudafed film-coated tablets are taken orally, according to the dosage provided in the leaflet or the doctor’s instructions. For children over 12 years of age and adults, the recommended dosage is taking one tablet 3-4 times a day. Children should not use the drug for more than four days. If a dose is missed, it should not be made up by taking an extra dose. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose of Sudafed, which is 240 mg (4 x 60 mg film-coated tablets).
It is important to exercise caution when administering Sudafed to the elderly, as well as to those with renal or hepatic insufficiency.
Overdosage of Sudafed tablets
If you take more Sudafed than recommended, the patient may experience side effects – it is then necessary to consult a doctor. Possible symptoms of overdose include vomiting, nausea, agitation, insomnia, tremor, hypertension, tachycardia, palpitations, slow heart rate, heart attack or ischemic intestinal infarction, as well as psychosis or hypertensive crisis.
Sudafed – side effects
Some people may also experience side effects if they take Sudafed tablets correctly. Most often because in 1 in 10 patients, dizziness, dry mouth and nausea are observed, as well as insomnia and nervousness.
They happen less often other side effects of the drugwhich concern no more than 1 in 10. patients. These less common symptoms include allergic reactions, cardiac disorders (palpitations, rapid or slow heart rate), rashes, itching, increased blood pressure, anxiety, hallucinations, vomiting, headache, pain while urinating, paraesthesia and cerebrovascular accident. A detailed list of reported side effects of Sudafed can be found in the manufacturer’s leaflet.
The last group of side effects of Sudafed are symptoms that occur with an unknown frequency – reddening of the skin, small spots and a sudden fever, which may indicate the development of a generalized drug rash.
Sudafed – the composition of the drug
In addition to pseudoephedrine, Sudafed film-coated tablets contain: lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, pregelatinized maize starch and colloidal silica. Additionally, the shell contains talc, macrogol 400, red iron oxide and hypromellose. If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of the drug, do not take it.
Sudafed – other forms of the drug
In addition to the film-coated tablets containing 60 mg of pseudoephedrine, the product under the name Sudafed appeared on the pharmaceutical market also in the form of coated tablets (60 mg pseudoephedrine), and Sudafed Extra (30 mg pseudoephedrine + 200 mg ibuprofen), syrup Sudafed Muco (guaifenesin 100 mg / 5 ml) and nasal spray Sudafed XyloSpray for adults and children in variants with different doses of active substances.
Sudafed – substitutes
A drug like Sudafed containing pseudoephedrine is Apselan.