Pseudoephedrine And Triprolidine Description

Generic Name : PSEUDOEPHEDRINE and TRIPROLIDINE

Pronunciation : (soo doe e fed' rin) (trye proe' li deen)

Trade Name(s) : Sudafed

Why it is prescribed: The combination of pseudoephedrine ( a decongestant) and triprolidine (an antihistamine) relieves itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny or stuffy nose caused by hay fever, allergies, and the common cold.

When it is to be taken: This medication usually is taken every four to six hours or every 12 hours. Follow the instructions on the label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. Do not take this drug more often or take more doses in a 24-hour period than as directed on the label.

How it should be taken: This medication comes in capsules, tablets, long-acting capsules, and oral liquid. The label tells you how much to take at each dose. Do not open extended-release capsules; swallow them whole. You may obtain a specially marked measuring spoon to be sure of an accurate dose of the liquid.

Special Instruction : This medication can cause drowsiness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

Side Effects :
1. Dry mouth, nose and throat. Suck sugarless lozenges or hard candy, chew sugarless gum, or drink fluids.
2. Upset stomach. Take the medication with meals or milk.
3. Dizziness, muscle weakness, vision problems, prolonged drowsiness, skin rash, excitement, insomnia, difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, palpitations, tremors, difficult or painful urination, hallucinations. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
2. If you regularly take sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, pain medication, or medication for asthma, high blood pressure, or seizures, do not take pseudoephedrine and triprolidine without your doctor's advice and supervision.
3. Do not take this drug if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last two weeks.
4. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, difficulty urinating (due to an enlarged prostate gland), glaucoma, asthma, an overactive thyroid gland, ulcers, seizures, or diabetes or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not use pseudoephedrine with triprolidine unless your doctor is aware of your condition and directs you to take it.
5. Do not give this medication to children less than 12 years of age unless a doctor directs you to do so.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature.