Pseudoephedrine
Brand: Sudafed
No boxed warning on the current FDA label.
- Caution
- Raises blood pressure and heart rate: caution with hypertension, heart disease, and prostate enlargement; contraindicated with MAO inhibitors.
- Pregnancy
- Avoid in the first trimester: small increase in abdominal wall defects (gastroschisis) reported.
Common side effects
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Raised blood pressure
- Fast heartbeat
Key interactions
- Contraindicated with MAO inhibitors: hypertensive crisis
- Opposes blood-pressure medicines
- Additive stimulation with caffeine
Counseling points
- Sold behind the counter: photo ID and a logbook signature are required
- Limits are 3.6 g per day and 9 g per 30 days, expressed as base
- Avoid late-day doses: it can keep you awake
- Caution with high blood pressure or heart disease
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