Pseudoephedrine Description

Generic Name : PSEUDOEPHEDRINE

Pronunciation : (soo doe e fed' rin)

Trade Name(s) : Alergin, Asmapax, Asmotone

Why it is prescribed: Pseudoephedrine, a decongestant, relieves discomfort caused by colds, allergies, and hay fever. It relieves stuffy nose, opens nasal airways, and drains sinuses.

When it is to be taken: Pseudoephedrine 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. Pseudoephedrine usually begins to work within 30 minutes. Do not take this drug more often or take more doses in a 24-hour period than as directed on the label. To help prevent trouble sleeping, take the last dose of the day several hours before bedtime.

How it should be taken:
1. Pseudoephedrine comes in the form of regular tablets, extended-release tablets and capsules, and oral liquid.
2. The label tells you how much to take at each dose. You may obtain a specially marked measuring spoon to be sure of an accurate dose of the liquid.
3. Do not break, crush, or chew extended-release tablets and do not open extended-release capsules; swallow them whole.
4. Special dietary instructions should be followed. Caffeine-containing beverages may increase the restlessness and insomnia caused by pseudoephedrine in sensitive individuals, so you may wish to reduce your consumption of these beverages.

Special Instruction :
1. Nervousness, excitability, restlessness, dizziness, weakness, insomnia. If these effects continue, contact your doctor.
2. Difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, palpitations, tremors, hallucinations, pain or burning during urination. Contact your doctor.

Side Effects :
1. Nervousness, excitability, restlessness, dizziness, weakness, insomnia. If these effects continue, contact your doctor.
2. Difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, palpitations, tremors, hallucinations, pain or burning during urination. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, diabetes, an overactive thyroid gland, or difficulty urinating or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not use pseudoephedrine unless your doctor is aware of your condition and directs you to take it.
2. If you regularly take amphetamines or medication for asthma or high blood pressure, do not take pseudoephedrine without your doctor's advice and supervision.
3. Do not take Pseudoephedrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last two weeks.
4. Do not give extended-release tablets or capsules to children younger than 12 years of age.

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.
3. Do not allow the liquid to freeze.