Skip to main content

Afrinol Side Effects

Generic name: pseudoephedrine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 25, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Afrinol Side Effects associated with pseudoephedrine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Afrinol.

Applies to pseudoephedrine: oral capsule liquid filled, oral liquid, oral solution, oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

Common side effects of Afrinol

Some side effects of pseudoephedrine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • nervousness
  • restlessness
  • trouble in sleeping

Less common

  • difficult or painful urination
  • dizziness or light-headedness
  • fast or pounding heartbeat
  • headache
  • increased sweating
  • nausea or vomiting
  • trembling
  • unusual paleness
  • weakness

Serious side effects of Afrinol

Along with its needed effects, pseudoephedrine (the active ingredient contained in Afrinol) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking pseudoephedrine:

Rare

- more common with high doses
  • convulsions (seizures)
  • hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
  • irregular or slow heartbeat
  • shortness of breath or troubled breathing

Symptoms of overdose

For healthcare professionals

Applies to pseudoephedrine: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral liquid, oral suspension extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet extended release.

General

The most commonly reported adverse effects have included cardiovascular and (e.g. elevated blood pressure, tachycardia, or arrhythmias), CNS stimulation (e.g. restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and rarely hallucinations), skin rashes, and urinary retention.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Nervous system

Gastrointestinal

Hypersensitivity

Psychiatric

Genitourinary

Ocular

Dermatologic

Other

Post marketing reports: False-positive amphetamine immunoassay[Ref]

False-positives can occur far below the published threshold indicating that cross-reactivity in human specimens is sometimes greater than the limits reported.[Ref]

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)." Glaxo Wellcome

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

4. Depriest AZ, Knight JL, Doering PL, Black DL (2012) "Pseudoephedrine and false-positive immunoassay urine drug tests for amphetamine." Pharmacotherapy

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Afrinol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.