From the Guidelines
Sudafed is the most common brand name for pseudoephedrine, a decongestant medication used to relieve nasal and sinus congestion. Other brand names include Nexafed, Silfedrine, and Sudogest. Pseudoephedrine works by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and congestion. It's available over-the-counter but is typically kept behind the pharmacy counter due to restrictions related to its potential use in manufacturing methamphetamine, as noted in studies 1. When purchasing, you'll need to show identification and sign a logbook, as federal law limits how much you can buy monthly. Pseudoephedrine is often found in combination products with antihistamines or pain relievers, such as Claritin-D, Advil Cold & Sinus, and Tylenol Sinus.
- Key points to consider when using pseudoephedrine include:
- Side effects may include nervousness, dizziness, and increased blood pressure, so it should be used with caution in people with certain medical conditions like hypertension or heart disease 1.
- The efficacy of an oral decongestant in combination with an antihistamine in the management of allergic rhinitis has not been adequately documented to increase the efficacy of either drug alone 1.
- Oral decongestants should be used with caution in patients with rhinitis with certain conditions, such as cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, closed-angle glaucoma, and bladder neck obstruction 1.
- It is essential to weigh the benefits and risks of using pseudoephedrine, especially in vulnerable populations such as children under 6 years old, where its use has been associated with agitated psychosis, ataxia, hallucinations, and even death 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Principal Display Panel Compare to Sudafed® Congestion active ingredient Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride, 30 mg Nasal Decongestant MAXIMUM STRENGTH • SINUS PRESSURE • SINUS CONGESTION 24 TABLETS actual size NON-DROWSY Padagis™ The brand name for pseudoephedrine is Sudafed and another brand is Padagis 2.
From the Research
Pseudoephedrine Brand Name
Pseudoephedrine Studies
- Multiple studies have investigated the effects of pseudoephedrine on blood pressure and heart rate in patients with hypertension 3, 4, 5, 6.
- A meta-analysis found that pseudoephedrine causes a small but significant increase in systolic blood pressure and heart rate 6.
- Another study found that pseudoephedrine is a safe and effective treatment for nasal congestion associated with upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) 7.
Key Findings
- Pseudoephedrine causes an average increase of 1.2 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure in patients with controlled hypertension 3.
- A single dose of pseudoephedrine does not significantly affect blood pressure values in hypertensive patients treated with beta-blockers 4.
- Therapeutic doses of pseudoephedrine do not adversely affect control of hypertension in selected patients 5.
- Higher doses and immediate-release preparations of pseudoephedrine are associated with greater blood pressure increases 6.