Pseudoephedrine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 25, 2024.

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

Precautions

If symptoms do not improve within 7 days or if you also have a high fever, check with your doctor since these signs may mean that you have other medical problems.

Common side effects of pseudoephedrine

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:

Serious side effects of pseudoephedrine

Along with its needed effects, pseudoephedrine 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:

Symptoms of overdose

• convulsions (seizures)
• fast breathing
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
• increase in blood pressure
• irregular heartbeat (continuing)
• shortness of breath or troubled breathing (severe or continuing)
• slow or fast heartbeat (severe or continuing)
• unusual nervousness, restlessness, or excitement

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 adverse events

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

• Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, palpitations, arrhythmia, hypertension, impaired circulation to the extremities^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Headache, tremor

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reactions including cross-sensitivity with other sympathomimetic^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hallucinations
• Frequency not reported: Restlessness, insomnia, sleep disturbances, anxiety, excitability^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Urinary retention, especially in men with prostatic enlargement

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Angle-closure glaucoma

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Skin rashes, fixed drug eruption in the form of erythematous nodular patches^[Ref]

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]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Phenylephrine vs Pseudoephedrine - How do they compare?

Further information

Pseudoephedrine 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.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer