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Comparing Phenylephrine vs Pseudoephedrine

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
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Phenylephrine

Pseudoephedrine

Phenylephrine relieves congestion of the nasal passages and is found in many cold and flu remedies. There is some controversy over whether it works at the dosages usually found in over-the-counter... View more

Pseudoephedrine effectively relieves nasal and sinus congestion and is found in several behind-the-counter combination cold and flu remedies. Photo ID must be produced to purchase it and pharmacies... View more

Prescription and OTC

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance

Quantity	10 mL
Dosage	10 mg/mL
Per Unit^*	$3.75
Cost^*	$37.50

View all phenylephrine prices

Quantity	100 each
Dosage	30 mg
Per Unit^*	$0.13
Cost^*	$12.57

View all pseudoephedrine prices

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Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available

Injectable solution
Oral tablet

Oral liquid
Oral tablet
Oral tablet, extended release

Brand Names

AH-Chew D, Biorphen, Congest Aid II, Contac-D, Despec-SF, Dimetapp Toddler's Drops Decongestant, Gilchew IR, Little Colds Decongestant, Nasal Decongestant PE, Nasop, Nasop12, Neo-Synephrine, Ricobid-D, Sudafed PE Children's Nasal Decongestant, Sudafed PE Congestion, Sudogest PE, Suphedrine PE, Vazculep View more 12 Hour Decongestant, 12 Hour Nasal Decongestant, Afrinol, Allermed, Cenafed, Children's Dimetapp Decongestant Infant, Chlor-Trimeton Nasal Decongestant, Contac Cold, Decofed, Decofed Liquid, Drixoral Decongestant Non-Drowsy, Efidac, Elixsure Decongestant, Entex, Genaphed, nasofed, Nexafed Nasal Decongestant, Novafed, Silfedrine, Sudafed 12-Hour, Sudafed 24-Hour, Sudafed Congestion, SudoGest, SudoGest 12 Hour, Suphedrin, Suphedrine, Zephrex-D View more

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

N/A

16 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Category N Not classified

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (2)

N/A

Drug Interactions

A total of 179 drugs are known to interact with phenylephrine:

26 major drug interactions (68 brand and generic names)
151 moderate drug interactions (594 brand and generic names)
2 minor drug interactions (11 brand and generic names)

A total of 152 drugs are known to interact with pseudoephedrine:

14 major drug interactions (37 brand and generic names)
134 moderate drug interactions (482 brand and generic names)
4 minor drug interactions (40 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

N/A

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

S6 - Stimulants

More Information

Consumer Resources

Advanced Reading

Advanced Reading

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

Nasal Congestion

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

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

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