Unifed Side Effects
Generic name: pseudoephedrine
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 25, 2023.
Note: This document provides detailed information about Unifed Side Effects associated with pseudoephedrine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Unifed.
Applies to pseudoephedrine: oral capsule liquid filled, oral liquid, oral solution, oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.
Common side effects of Unifed
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
Serious side effects of Unifed
Along with its needed effects, pseudoephedrine (the active ingredient contained in Unifed) 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
- 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
- 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
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]
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
More about Unifed (pseudoephedrine)
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- During pregnancy
- Drug class: decongestants
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Further information
Unifed 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.