Drug Reference

Pseudoephedrine

Sympathomimetics

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OTCPediatric caution

Fact box

Therapeutic class
Sympathomimetics
Action class
alpha-Adrenergic Agonist
Habit forming
No
Availability
Over-the-counter (OTC)

Brand names

A-PhedrinAlavert DAllegra-DAller-Tec DAllerclearAmbifed CDAmbifed-G CDAphedridBiotussinBromfed DMClarinex-DClaritin-DContac ColdGenac brand of pseudoephedrine/triprolidineGenaphedHycofenixLortuss EXM-End Max DMar-cof BPNexafedQ-FedStahist ADSudafedSudogestVi-SudoWal Zyr DWal-ActWal-Fex DWal-PhedWal-itin DZephrex-DZodryl DACZodryl DECZyrtec-D

Available as

0.8 MG/ML · Oral Solution1 MG/ML · Oral Solution4 MG · Oral Tablet0.4 MG/ML · Oral Solution5 MG · Extended Release Oral Tablet0.04 MG · Extended Release Oral Tablet3 MG/ML · Oral Solution120 MG · Extended Release Oral Tablet30 MG · Oral Tablet6 MG/ML · Oral Solution60 MG · Oral Tablet325 MG · Oral Tablet240 MG · Extended Release Oral Tablet25 MG · Oral Tablet1 MG/ML · Oral Suspension10 MG · Oral Tablet20 MG/ML · Oral Solution325 MG · Oral Capsule500 MG · Oral Tablet10 MG · Oral Capsule250 MG · Oral Capsule200 MG · Oral Capsule400 MG · Oral Tablet2 MG · Oral Tablet

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
Uses temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies temporarily relieves sinus congestion and pressure
How to use / dosing
Directions adults and children 12 years and over take 1 tablet every 12 hours do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours children under 12 years do not use this product in children under 12 years of age

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyConsult your doctor
…occur symptoms do not improve within 7 days or occur with a fever If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.…
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor
…do not improve within 7 days or occur with a fever If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
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)

Pediatric use

Pediatric caution

OTC cough-and-cold products are not recommended for children <4 years (FDA) / <6 years (AAP) due to lack of efficacy and risk of serious adverse effects.

Source: FDA OTC cough/cold advisory; AAP guidance.

⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.

Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

229 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.