Antihistamines/Decongestant: Sudafed

Sudafed is the brand name of an over the counter decongestant containing pseudoephedrine. It is used to treat congestion caused by allergies or a common cold. When you get sick, blood vessels in mucus membranes often swell, causing congestion in the nose and lungs. Sudafed works by constricting blood vessels in mucus membranes, particularly in the nose and lungs. This reduced blood flow relieves congestion as airways are opened up. This is how Sudafed can be an effective tool in providing short term relief from congestion caused my colds or allergies.

When taking Sudafed, it’s important to keep in mind that pseudoephedrine commonly causes dizziness and drowsiness, and driving and operating any heavy machinery should be avoided while taking the drug. It is also imperative that Sudafed be avoided if you are taking an MAO inhibitor, as dangerous interactions between the two drugs can occur. Because Sudafed affects your blood pressure by constricting blood flow, anyone with blood pressure issues should consult a physician before using the drug. Other less serious side effects of Sudafed include insomnia, anxiety, sweating and nausea.

Unfortunately, pseudoephedrine can be used to create methamphetamine – a common street drug – and efforts have been made in the US to place more restrictions on the drug. It has been discovered that some people were buying large quantities of the drug and converting it into methamphetamine in home-based labs. The proposed Combat Meth Act of 2005 would require all medications containing pseudoephedrine be placed behind the pharmacy counter, and logs be kept of all pseudoephedrine purchases.

The three main forms of Sudafed commonly available are Sudafed Nasal Decongestant, Sudafed 12 Hour Tablets, and Sudafed 24 Hour Tablets. One should be careful not to crush or attempt to halve the 12 and 24 tablets, as these tablets are designed with time-release in mind, and the medication may not be spread evenly throughout the tablet. Like any decongestant, Sudafed only relieves symptoms of congestion, and a doctor should be consulted if your find yourself needing to take the drug for more than 7 days.

Although it is a temporary solution, Sudafed can be very effective in providing relief from cold congestion. As with all medication, you should never exceed the maximum daily dosage except under the advice of a physician. If you miss a dose you should never make up for it by double dosing, and if you experience any serious side effects you should stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately.