What pseudoephedrine is for
Pseudoephedrine is used to treat a blocked nose caused by:
- the common cold
- flu
- allergies such as hay fever
- a sinus infection (sinusitis)
It works by reducing swelling to help mucus and air move through more easily.
Sometimes pseudoephedrine comes mixed with other medicines, such as painkillers or antihistamines. This information is about pseudoephedrine on its own.
How to take pseudoephedrine and how much to take
Pseudoephedrine comes as tablets or a liquid that you swallow.
It's usually only used for a short time at the lowest dose, until your symptoms have improved.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
How to take common types of pseudoephedrine
Important
Adults should only take pseudoephedrine for short-term relief of symptoms. Children aged 11 years or under should not take pseudoephedrine for longer than 5 days. See a GP if your symptoms get worse or do not get better.
Check the label before taking any cough or cold remedies, as your medicine may already contain pseudoephedrine. Taking both may cause you to have too much.
If you miss a dose of pseudoephedrine
If you forget to take a dose of pseudoephedrine, take the next dose when you need it.
Always leave at least 4 hours between doses.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.
If you take too much pseudoephedrine
Taking an extra dose of pseudoephedrine can be dangerous.
Urgent advice: Call NHS 111 if:
- you or your child has taken more pseudoephedrine than it says on the packet or leaflet
If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the pseudoephedrine packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.
Side effects of pseudoephedrine
Like all medicines, pseudoephedrine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of pseudoephedrine include:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- headaches
- a dry mouth
- feeling nervous
- difficulty sleeping
Non-urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:
- you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away
They may be able to give you advice about how you can reduce the side effects.
Find a pharmacySerious side effects
Pseudoephedrine can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.
Possible serious side effects of pseudoephedrine include:
- a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raise, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
- a more noticeable heartbeat (palpitations)
- a severe headache that comes on very quickly, suddenly feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting), sudden changes in your vision or having a seizure
- during the first few days of taking it, getting a high temperature, with lots of small, fluid or pus-filled bumps on your skin and skin looking red – redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin
Immediate action required: Call 999 if:
- you're taking pseudoephedrine and think you might be having anaphylaxis or a seizure
If you think you're having any other serious side effect, call NHS 111.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of pseudoephedrine.
For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine, or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card Scheme website
Who can and cannot take pseudoephedrine
Most adults and children aged 6 years and over can take pseudoephedrine.
Important
Do not give pseudoephedrine to children aged 5 years and under. This includes cough and cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Always check the label.
Pseudoephedrine is not suitable for everyone. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have:
- ever had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from pseudoephedrine
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- heart disease
- diabetes
- an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
- glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- an enlarged prostate (this causes difficulty peeing or needing to pee often)
- liver or kidney problems
Before taking pseudoephedrine, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Breastfeeding and pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is not usually recommended while you're breastfeeding as there is not enough information about whether it could have any effects on your baby.
It may also reduce the amount of milk you make.
If you need to take medicine for congestion while breastfeeding, speak to a pharmacist who can recommend a suitable alternative.
Pregnancy and pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is not recommended for use in pregnancy because it can reduce blood flow to the baby.
Tell your doctor or speak to a pharmacist if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy. They can recommend a suitable alternative.
Taking pseudoephedrine with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with pseudoephedrine.
This includes some types of:
- antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- medicines for heart failure, such as digoxin
- medicines for high blood pressure, such as beta blockers or methyldopa
- other cough and cold medicines – do not take pseudoephedrine with other medicines for a blocked nose, such as xylometazoline and oxymetazoline as it could make symptoms worse
This is not the full list of medicines that may not mix well with pseudoephedrine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with pseudoephedrine
You can eat and drink normally (including alcohol) while taking pseudoephedrine.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice