Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride

Description

Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride is presented in the form of extended-release tablets, each containing 120 mg of the active ingredient. These coated, capsule-shaped tablets are designed for long-acting nasal decongestion, providing relief from sinus pressure and congestion. The formulation is non-drowsy and offers a maximum strength dosage that lasts for 12 hours. Each blister pack contains 10 capsules.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of nasal congestion associated with the common cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies. Additionally, it provides temporary relief of sinus congestion and pressure.

Limitations of Use: This medication is intended for short-term use and should not be used as a long-term treatment for nasal or sinus congestion.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children aged 12 years and older are instructed to take 1 tablet every 12 hours. The maximum dosage should not exceed 2 tablets within a 24-hour period.

This product is contraindicated for use in children under 12 years of age.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which includes certain medications for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease. Additionally, use is contraindicated for a period of 2 weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI. Patients should consult a healthcare professional if they are uncertain whether their prescription medication contains an MAOI.

Exceeding the recommended dosage while using this product is also contraindicated.

Warnings and Precautions

Use of this product is contraindicated in individuals currently taking prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are medications prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease. Additionally, it should not be used for a period of two weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI. Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult with a doctor or pharmacist if they are uncertain whether their prescription medication contains an MAOI.

Prior to initiating treatment with this product, it is essential for patients to seek medical advice if they have any of the following conditions: heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. These conditions may increase the risk of adverse effects or complications.

Patients must adhere strictly to the recommended dosage. Exceeding the advised dosage can lead to serious health risks.

In the event that nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness occurs, or if symptoms do not improve within seven days or are accompanied by a fever, patients should discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional immediately.

This product should be stored out of reach of children. In the case of an overdose, it is imperative to seek medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay at 1-800-222-1222.

Side Effects

Patients should be aware of the potential adverse reactions associated with the use of this medication. Serious warnings include the contraindication of use in patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 2 weeks of discontinuing such treatment, as this may lead to severe interactions.

Common adverse reactions that may necessitate discontinuation of the medication include nervousness, dizziness, and sleeplessness. Patients are advised to stop use and consult a healthcare professional if these symptoms occur or if symptoms do not improve within 7 days, particularly if accompanied by a fever.

Before initiating treatment, patients should seek medical advice if they have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, as these conditions may increase the risk of adverse effects.

In the event of an overdose, it is critical to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Drug Interactions

The concomitant use of this product with prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is contraindicated. MAOIs are typically prescribed for the treatment of depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, and Parkinson's disease. Patients should not take this product while on MAOIs or for a minimum of two weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI.

It is essential for patients to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, to verify whether their current prescription includes an MAOI before initiating treatment with this product.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride. Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 12 years of age should not use this product. Safety and efficacy have not been established in this age group, and the potential risks may outweigh any benefits. Healthcare professionals are advised to consider alternative treatments for pediatric patients within this age range.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may exhibit increased sensitivity to side effects when using this product. Therefore, caution is advised in the administration of this medication to geriatric patients, especially those with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or prostate issues.

While there are no specific dosage adjustments recommended for elderly patients, healthcare providers should closely monitor this population for any adverse effects and consider individual patient factors when determining the appropriateness of treatment.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. The potential risks and benefits must be carefully weighed, as the effects on fetal outcomes and lactation are not fully established. It is essential for women of childbearing potential to seek medical advice to ensure the safety of both the mother and the developing fetus or nursing infant.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. There is no specific data available regarding the excretion of this drug in human breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when administering this medication to lactating individuals.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment have not been specifically addressed in the prescribing information regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with reduced kidney function, as the lack of data necessitates careful clinical judgment. Regular monitoring of renal function may be advisable in these patients, although specific recommendations are not provided.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to the use of this medication. Consequently, there are no established dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions outlined for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with hepatic impairment, given the lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population. Regular monitoring of liver function may be prudent in these cases, although specific parameters are not defined in the prescribing information.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. Healthcare professionals should advise patients or caregivers to call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.

Prompt intervention is crucial in managing overdose situations, as timely medical help can significantly influence outcomes. Symptoms of overdose may vary depending on the substance involved, and healthcare providers should be prepared to assess and manage these symptoms accordingly.

Management procedures may include supportive care, monitoring of vital signs, and symptomatic treatment as necessary. It is essential for healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and act swiftly to mitigate potential complications associated with overdose.

Nonclinical Toxicology

If pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to consult a health professional prior to use. No specific non-teratogenic effects have been identified in the available data. Additionally, there are no detailed findings regarding nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology provided in the current information.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse reactions reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs. These include nervousness, dizziness, and sleeplessness. Additional adverse reactions reported encompass palpitations, tachycardia, hypertension, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, restlessness, tremors, headache, skin rash, and allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Furthermore, there have been reports of serious cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, in patients taking pseudoephedrine.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. In the event of an overdose, patients should be instructed to seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Patients must be informed that this product should not be used if they are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 2 weeks of stopping such medication. If patients are uncertain whether their prescription includes an MAOI, they should be encouraged to consult with their doctor or pharmacist prior to using this product.

Healthcare providers should counsel patients to discontinue use and consult a doctor if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. Additionally, patients should be advised to stop using the product and seek medical advice if their symptoms do not improve within 7 days or if they experience symptoms accompanied by a fever.

It is important to remind patients not to exceed the recommended dosage while using this product. Furthermore, patients should be encouraged to consult a doctor before use if they have any of the following conditions: heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in blister packaging, with specific attention to tamper evidence. Each blister unit must remain intact; therefore, it should not be used if any blister units are torn, broken, or exhibit signs of tampering.

For optimal storage, the product should be kept in a dry place at a temperature range of 59° to 77° F. Additionally, it is essential to protect the product from light to maintain its integrity and efficacy.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is one tablet every 12 hours, with a maximum of two tablets within a 24-hour period. It is contraindicated for use in children under 12 years of age. No additional information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, patient counseling, or postmarketing experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

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