Who can use Sudafed?
Sudafed Tablets are for use in adults and adolescents 12 years and older.
Do not take these tablets if you have a serious heart complaint, an over active thyroid, high blood pressure, glaucoma or take/have taken in the last 14 days’ medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.
How to use Sudafed?
- Adults and adolescents 12 years and over: Take one Sudafed tablet with water, every 4-6 hours.
- Do not exceed 4 tablets in any 24-hour period.
- Do not take Sudafed tablets if you have high blood pressure
Contraindications. Do not take Sudafed if any of The following apply
- If you have ever had a bad reaction (allergic reaction) to pseudoephedrine or any of the other ingredients.
- If you have severe kidney problems.
- If you have diabetes.
- If you have a phaeochromocytoma (rare tumour which affects your heart rate and blood pressure).
- If you have an overactive thyroid gland.
- If you have glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
- If you have high blood pressure or heart disease.
- If you are taking beta blockers (used to treat high blood pressure).
- If you are taking, or have taken in the last two weeks, drugs for depression known as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or Reversible Inhibitors of Monoamine Oxidase (RIMAs).
- If you have lung disease or breathing problems.
- If you are taking any other cough and cold medicines.
- In children under 12 years.
Stop Taking Sudafed if any of the following reactions occur
If you experience the following, stop taking the product immediately and contact your doctor:
- A feverish generalised erythema associated with pustules
- Sudden abdominal pain or rectal bleeding may occur with Non-Drowsy Sudafed Decongestant Tablets, due to inflammation of the colon (ischemic colitis). If you develop these gastro-intestinal symptoms, stop taking Non-Drowsy Sudafed Decongestant Tablets, and contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately.
- Sudden severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, confusion, fits, visual disturbances.
- Reduction of blood flow to your optic nerve may occur with Non-Drowsy Sudafed Decongestant Tablets. If you develop sudden loss of vision, stop taking Non-Drowsy Sudafed Decongestant Tablets and contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
As with all medication, it is advisable to consult your doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Driving and using machines
There are no known side effects which would impair your ability to drive or use machinery.
Possible side effects
Sudafed can have side-effects, like all medicines, although these are usually mild and do not affect everyone. If you experience any side-effects, please talk to your doctor.
KEEP ALL MEDICINES OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
READ THE PATIENT LEAFLET BEFORE TAKING THIS MEDICATION.