Pseudoephedrine is a drug that can be used to treat symptoms of nasal congestion in cases of flu or colds, as well as other respiratory ailments. Pseudoephedrine can be found alone or in combination with other drugs.
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant class of drugs that works by reducing swelling of the blood vessels in the nose, so that the airways are more open and breathing becomes easier.
The pseudoepherine trademark:Alco Plus DMP, Alco Plus, Devoxix, Erlaflu, Edorisan, Grafed, Paramex Flu & Cough, Rhinos Neo, Rhinos SR and Siladex Cough & Cold
What is Pseudoepherine?
| group | Decongestants |
| Category | Over-the-counter and prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Relieves stuffy nose |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Pseudoephedrine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Pseudieoherine is absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Shape | Syrup, tablets, and drops (drops) |
Precautions Before Using Pseudoepherine:
- Do not use pseudoephedrine if you have a history of allergy to this drug
- Do not use pseudoephedrine if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery while you are taking pseudoephedrine, as this drug may cause drowsiness.
- Consult a doctor before using pseudoephedrine in children younger than 4 years.
- Consult a doctor before using pseudoephedrine if you have diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, glaucoma, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, heart rhythm disorders, or an enlarged prostate.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements, and herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are planning any surgery, including dental surgery.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after using this medicine.
Dosage and Instructions for Use Pseudoephedrine
The dosage of pseudoephedrine is different for each patient. The following is the division of the pseudoephedrine dosage to treat nasal congestion:
- Mature
Maximum dose: 240 mg per day
- Children 12 years and over
Maximum dose: 240 mg per day
- Children aged 6-12 years
Maximum dose: 120 mg per day
- Children age 4–5 years
Maximum dose: 60 mg per day
How to Use pseudoephedrine correctly
Follow your doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before using pseudoepherine. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Pseudoephedrine can be taken before or after meals. While taking this drug, you should avoid foods and drinks that contain caffeine because it can increase the risk of side effects.
If you forget to take pseudoephedrine, do it as soon as you remember if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double or increase the dose of pseudoephedrine.
Store this medication at room temperature. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, and keep out of reach of children.
Pseudoepherine Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several drug interactions that can occur when pseudoephedrine is used with other medicines, including:
- Increased risk of hypertensive cystitis and fatal side effects when used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as ixocarboxazid, or seleginil.
- Increased risk of developing hypertension if used with dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, amitriptyline or doxepin drugs.
- effectiveness and absorption of the drug when used with kaolin.
- Decreased effect of blood pressure-lowering drugs, eg beta blockers, calcium antagonists, or methyldopa
Side Effects and Dangers Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine has the potential to cause a number of side effects, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Weak
- Headache
- Nauseous
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not subside or are getting worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Nervous
- Dizzy
- Hard to sleep
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Difficult to breathe
- Bloody diarrhea
- hallucination
- Tingling in hands and feet
- Difficulty urinating
- High blood pressure
- Faint