Sudafed Over the counter cold medicine

Sudafed Over the counter cold medicineBy: Kassidy Alise, Amanda Riley

Medical Name: Pseudoephedrine

Drug Classification: Alpha Adrenergic Agonist

METHOD OF ADMINSTRATION:

This medication is taken orally.This medication should be taken with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. Splitting the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. You may need to shake the oral suspension well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

USES:

Nasal congestionTemporary relief of sinus pressureIt works by reducing swelling and constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages, allowing you to breathe more easily

Side Effects

SHORT TERM EFFECTS:Irritation of nose and throatDry mouthRestlessnessTrouble sleepingNausea or vomitingHeadacheFast or pounding heartbeat

SIDE EFFECTSLONG TERM EFFECTS:HeadacheInsomnia Paleness

COMPLICATIONS

COULD LEAD TO:SeizuresDysrhythmiasCardiovascular collapseDyspnea

WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO ABUSE THIS DRUGTeenagers and those who participate in other illegal drug use. Drug addicts use the chemicals in Sudafed to make methamphetamine.

SYMPTOMS OF OVERDOSE:

ConvulsionsIncreased breathingHallucinationsIncrease in blood pressureShortness of breathUnusual nervousness, restlessness, or excitement

EMERGENCY TREATMENT OF OVERDOSE:

Contact your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.

DO NOT USE SUDAFED IF.

Your child is younger than 4 years oldIf you are allergic to pseudoephedrine or to other decongestantsIf you are taking diet pills, stimulants, or ADHD medications

YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS DRUG IF YOU ARE ALSO TAKING:Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)Antihypertensive drugsAntidepressantsBeta blockersCaffeine pillsADHD medicineAnd if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

REFERENCES

Sudafed. Drugs.com (2015). Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/sudafed.html

Sudafed Side Effects Center. Rxlist.com (2015). Retrieved from http://www.rxlist.com/sudafed-side-effects-drug-center.htm

What is Pseudoephedrine Addiction?. Lighthouse Recovery Institute (2014). Retrieved from http://lighthouserecoveryinstitute.com/types-of-addiction/pseudoephedrine-addiction/

Skidmore-Roth, L. (2015). Mosby's 2015 Nursing Drug Reference. 28th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc.