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Suphedrin
Generic name: pseudoephedrine
Brand names: Contac Cold, Nexafed, Sudafed Children's Nasal Decongestant, SudoGest, Suphedrin, Drixoral Decongestant Non-Drowsy
What is Suphedrin?
Suphedrin is used to relieve nasal and sinus congestion, as well as congestion in the tubes that drain fluid from your inner ears, known as the eustachian tubes.
Suphedrin may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
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How should I take Suphedrin?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
Take with a full glass of water.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.
You may need to shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment or if you have a fever.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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Warnings
Follow all instructions on the label and package. Use exactly as directed.
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Before taking this medicine
You should not use Suphedrin if you are allergic to Suphedrin.
Do not use Suphedrin if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could happen. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe for you if you have ever had:
- heart disease or high blood pressure;
- enlarged prostate and urination problems;
- diabetes; or
- a thyroid disorder.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Suphedrin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Suphedrin may cause serious side effects. Stop using Suphedrin and call your doctor right away if you experience:
- dizziness;
- nervousness; or
- sleep problems (insomnia).
Less serious side effects may be more common, and you might not experience any at all.
This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Suphedrin is taken as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you do have a schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.
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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Do not take this medication if you are also using diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (like ADHD medications). Taking a stimulant with a decongestant can raise your chances of experiencing unpleasant side effects.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cough or cold medicine. Many combination medicines include Suphedrin or another decongestant. Taking certain products together can lead to an overdose of this type of medicine.
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What other drugs will affect Suphedrin?
Other drugs may interact with Suphedrin, including both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.