Who can take pseudoephedrine
Most adults and children aged 12 years and over can take pseudoephedrine.
You can sometimes give pseudoephedrine to children aged 6 years and over if they have a stuffy nose, but this depends on their symptoms. Ask a pharmacist for advice.
Important
Do not give pseudoephedrine to children under 6 years. This includes cough and cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Always check the label.
Who may not be able to take pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell a pharmacist or doctor before taking it if you have:
- ever had an allergic reaction to pseudoephedrine or any other medicine
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- heart disease
- taken medicines for depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in the last 2 weeks
- 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