pseudoephedrine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Systemic sympathomimetic decongestant
Main role
Temporary relief of nasal, sinus and upper-respiratory congestion
Available forms
The selected products include tablets and oral liquids
What is pseudoephedrine hydrochloride used for?
The selected UK products are licensed for symptomatic relief of congestion.
Nasal congestion
Sinus congestion
Congestion of upper-respiratory mucous membranes, including congestion associated with the common cold
How does pseudoephedrine hydrochloride work?
Pseudoephedrine has direct and indirect sympathomimetic activity. It stimulates alpha-adrenergic effects and increases noradrenaline activity, narrowing swollen blood vessels in nasal and sinus tissues. This reduces mucosal swelling but can also affect blood pressure and heart rate elsewhere in the body.
How to take pseudoephedrine hydrochloride
Follow the instructions for the specific product because age limits and formulations differ.
Swallow tablets with water.
Measure oral liquid with the supplied syringe, cup or medicine spoon rather than a kitchen teaspoon.
It may be taken with or without food; taking it with food may help if nausea occurs.
Check other cough, cold and pain-relief products to avoid duplicating pseudoephedrine or another decongestant.
pseudoephedrine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Restlessness, nervousness or shakiness
- Difficulty sleeping
Get urgent medical advice
- Persistent or recurrent fast, irregular or pounding heartbeat
- Sudden severe headache, confusion, seizure or visual disturbance
- Fever, skin redness and numerous small pustules
- Sudden loss or marked reduction of vision
- Sudden abdominal pain or rectal bleeding
- Difficulty passing urine
- Serious allergic reaction
pseudoephedrine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Pseudoephedrine is not recommended during pregnancy because its vasoconstrictor action may reduce placental blood flow. Evidence suggesting particular risks after first-trimester exposure is limited and not conclusive, so anyone pregnant or trying to conceive should discuss alternatives with a pharmacist, prescriber or midwife.
pseudoephedrine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Pseudoephedrine is not usually recommended while breastfeeding. Small amounts enter milk, but it may reduce milk production and irritability or disturbed sleep has been reported in breastfed infants; seek professional advice about alternatives, particularly while feeding is being established.
pseudoephedrine hydrochloride interactions
Check all prescribed, pharmacy and over-the-counter products before using pseudoephedrine.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, reversible MAO-A inhibitors and moclobemide
Concomitant use, or MAOI use within the previous 14 days, can cause a dangerous hypertensive crisis.
Other sympathomimetic decongestants
Using oral or nasal decongestants together can add cardiovascular and nervous-system effects and should be avoided.
Common questions about pseudoephedrine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
How quickly does pseudoephedrine hydrochloride start working?
Its decongestant effect commonly begins within about 15 to 30 minutes, although individual response varies.
Does pseudoephedrine hydrochloride make you drowsy?
It is generally described as non-drowsy, but dizziness can occur and stimulation may instead cause restlessness or difficulty sleeping.
Can pseudoephedrine hydrochloride raise blood pressure?
Yes. Its systemic vasoconstrictor action can raise blood pressure and heart rate; it must not be used with severe or uncontrolled hypertension.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.