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 


OB-GYN 101: Introductory Obstetrics & Gynecology
© 2003, 2004, 2005 Medical Education Division, Brookside Associates, Ltd.
All rights reserved

Contents · Introduction · Learning Objectives · Clinical Issues · Procedures  · Library · Pharmacy · Lab · Chest X-ray · Ultrasound · Videos · Forms · Progress Notes · Facts Cards · Students · Search · Feedback · About Us