Generic name: Pseudoephedrine Capsules and Tablets [ soo-doe-e-FED-rin ]
Brand names: Genaphed, Nasal Decongestant, Nexafed, Psudatabs, Shopko Nasal Decongestant Max, ... show all 10 brands Simply Stuffy, Sudafed, SudoGest, Suphedrine, Zephrex-D
Drug class: Decongestants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 24, 2024.

Uses of Pseudoephedrine Capsules and Tablets:

• It is used to treat nose stuffiness.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Pseudoephedrine Capsules and Tablets?

• If you have an allergy to pseudoephedrine or any other part of this medicine (pseudoephedrine capsules and tablets).
• If you are allergic to this medicine (pseudoephedrine capsules and tablets); any part of this medicine (pseudoephedrine capsules and tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have taken certain drugs for depression or Parkinson's disease in the last 14 days. This includes isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. Very high blood pressure may happen.
• If you are taking any of these drugs: Linezolid or methylene blue.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (pseudoephedrine capsules and tablets).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (pseudoephedrine capsules and tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Pseudoephedrine Capsules and Tablets?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (pseudoephedrine capsules and tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Do not take more than what your doctor told you to take. Taking more than you are told may raise your chance of very bad side effects.
• Do not take this medicine (pseudoephedrine capsules and tablets) for longer than you were told by your doctor.
• Limit your use of caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate. Use with this medicine (pseudoephedrine capsules and tablets) may cause nervousness, shakiness, and a fast heartbeat.
• Different forms of this medicine (pseudoephedrine capsules and tablets) may be for use in different ages of children. Talk with the doctor before giving this medicine (pseudoephedrine capsules and tablets) to a child.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Pseudoephedrine Capsules and Tablets) best taken?

Use this medicine (pseudoephedrine capsules and tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you take this medicine (pseudoephedrine capsules and tablets) on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times this medicine (pseudoephedrine capsules and tablets) is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Shortness of breath.
• Shakiness.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, hydroxyzine, fluticasone nasal, cetirizine, promethazine, Zyrtec, epinephrine topical, pseudoephedrine, sodium chloride nasal, phenylephrine nasal

What are some other side effects of Pseudoephedrine Capsules and Tablets?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Dizziness.
• Feeling nervous and excitable.
• Trouble sleeping.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Pseudoephedrine Capsules and Tablets?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (pseudoephedrine capsules and tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• Phenylephrine vs Pseudoephedrine - How do they compare?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer