How do sudafed work

Immediate-release forms of Sudafed can begin to wear off after four to six hours. Do not rely on Sudafed for long-term use. Women who are breastfeeding should ask a doctor before taking Sudafed, as it passes to breast milk and may cause a decrease in milk production. There are also some negative drug-drug interactions to be aware of before taking Sudafed. Vila says.

Taking Sudafed at the same time as other medications may decrease its efficacy or worsen side effects. Here are some common side effects you can expect when taking Sudafed:. Sudafed may cause more serious side effects.

You should seek medical attention if you experience hallucinations, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, or trouble breathing. Allergic reactions can cause difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the face, throat, or mouth. Both products treat congestion from allergies, colds, and sinus infections. They work similarly by reducing inflammation to alleviate sinus pressure. They even share similar side effects. The main difference between Sudafed and Sudafed PE is their active ingredients.

As a result, your nasal passages are clearer and you breathe more easily. Most forms of Sudafed only contain pseudoephedrine. Any additional side effects, interactions, or warnings caused by naproxen sodium are not covered in this article. Instead, they contain a different active ingredient called phenylephrine. All forms of Sudafed are taken by mouth. Below are dosage instructions for the different kinds of Sudafed. Like most drugs, Sudafed may cause side effects.

Some of these side effects may go away as your body gets used to the medication. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. Also, before taking Sudafed, be sure to tell your doctor if you take any of the following medications:. Sudafed is safe for many people. However, you should avoid it if you have certain health conditions, which may get worse if you take Sudafed. Before using Sudafed, be sure to tell your doctor if you have:.

There are concerns of misuse with Sudafed because it can be used to make illegal methamphetamine, a very addictive stimulant. However, Sudafed itself is not addictive. There are also no warnings against drinking alcohol while taking Sudafed. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having strong-smelling pee. Do not drink too much alcohol. Ask a pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. If your headache does not go away, stop taking pseudoephedrine or see your doctor.

It may be because pseudoephedrine can increase your blood pressure. Ask a pharmacist about trying a different medicine. Try not to watch television or use your mobile phone before going to bed.

Try to relax for an hour before bedtime. Pseudoephedrine and breastfeeding Pseudoephedrine is not recommended to take while you're breastfeeding. Non-urgent advice: Talk to a pharmacist or doctor if you're:.

Check with a pharmacist or doctor if you're taking: antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs digoxin, a medicine for heart failure tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline ergot alkaloids, such as ergotamine for migraine Pseudoephedrine is sometimes mixed with painkillers, such as cough and cold remedies.

Ask a pharmacist if you're not sure. Mixing pseudoephedrine with herbal remedies and supplements There's very little information about taking herbal remedies and supplements with pseudoephedrine.

Important Tell a doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements. How does pseudoephedrine work? How long does it take to work? How long can I take it for? Is it safe to take for a long time? If you take them for longer, you're more likely to get side effects. Is it safe to take decongestants like pseudoephedrine with heart problems? It's best not to take pseudoephedrine if you have heart problems.

This can increase your blood pressure and your heart rate. Can I drink alcohol with it? Yes, you can drink alcohol with pseudoephedrine. Is there any food or drink I need to avoid? Will it affect my contraception? Will it affect my fertility?

Can I drive or ride a bike? Fearing that customers will shy away from asking a pharmacist or clerk for these products, some drug companies are replacing pseudoephedrine with another over-the-counter decongestant called phenylephrine. Is phenylephrine just like pseudoephedrine? Regarding its effectiveness as a treatment for nasal congestion, the answer is no. In fact, some research has found that at the current recommended doses of phenylephrine it offers minimal symptom improvement.

It may be safer for people with high blood pressure and heart disease, but there is not enough research to be certain. A stuffy nose is a hallmark of the common cold and allergic rhinitis. Chalk this symptom up to the body's immune response.

When you have a cold, virus-infected cells in the nose, sinuses, and throat attract a flood of white blood cells. These infection fighters churn out substances that kill the cold virus but also swell nasal membranes and make the body produce extra mucus.

In allergic rhinitis, the immune cells trigger the same type of response in the nose, sinuses and throat. Pseudoephedrine constricts blood vessels in the nose and sinuses. This shrinks swelling and drains fluids, letting you breathe easier again. Unfortunately, the drug doesn't affect only the head — it tightens blood vessels throughout the body.

One pseudoephedrine side effect is a possible increase in blood pressure. In general, this increase is minimal in people with controlled high blood pressure. But prior studies found a small percent of people had marked increases in blood pressure.