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Nasal Decongestant

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Active ingredient
Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride 30 mg
Other brand names
Drug class
alpha-Adrenergic Agonist
Dosage form
Tablet, Film Coated
Route
Oral
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 1981
Label revision date
August 13, 2025
Active ingredient
Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride 30 mg
Other brand names
Drug class
alpha-Adrenergic Agonist
Dosage form
Tablet, Film Coated
Route
Oral
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
CSA schedule
Not a scheduled drug
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 1981
Label revision date
August 13, 2025
Manufacturer
Amerisource Bergen
Registration number
M012
NDC root
46122-428

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Drug Overview

Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride is a nasal decongestant that helps relieve nasal congestion caused by the common cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies. It also temporarily alleviates sinus congestion and pressure, making it easier for you to breathe when you're feeling stuffy.

This medication is available in a maximum strength formulation, with each tablet containing 30 mg of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride. It is designed to provide non-drowsy relief, allowing you to go about your day without feeling sleepy.

Uses

You can use this medication to temporarily relieve nasal congestion caused by the common cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies. If you're experiencing sinus congestion and pressure, this medication can also help alleviate those symptoms. It's designed to provide you with some comfort when dealing with these common respiratory issues.

Dosage and Administration

If you are an adult or a child aged 12 years and older, you can take 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed. However, make sure not to exceed 8 tablets in a 24-hour period to avoid potential side effects.

For children between the ages of 6 and 11 years, the recommended dosage is 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours, with a maximum of 4 tablets in a 24-hour period. It's important to note that this medication is not suitable for children under 6 years old, so please avoid using it for that age group. Always follow these guidelines to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.

What to Avoid

You should avoid using this product if you are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a type of medication used for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, do not use this product for at least two weeks after stopping an MAOI. If you're unsure whether your prescription includes an MAOI, please consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

It's also important to follow the recommended dosage carefully. Exceeding the suggested amount can lead to serious issues, including potential misuse or dependence (a condition where your body becomes reliant on a substance). Always prioritize your safety and well-being by adhering to these guidelines.

Side Effects

You should be aware of some potential side effects when using this medication. Common reactions may include nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. If you experience any of these symptoms, or if your condition does not improve within 7 days or is accompanied by a fever, it’s important to stop using the medication and consult your doctor.

Additionally, you should avoid this medication if you are currently taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have taken one in the past two weeks. If you have any pre-existing conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate, consult your doctor before use. In case of an overdose, seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center.

Warnings and Precautions

You should not use this product if you are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a type of medication used for depression, certain psychiatric conditions, or Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, you should wait at least two weeks after stopping an MAOI before using this product. If you are unsure whether your medication contains an MAOI, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Before using this product, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: thyroid disease, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. If you experience an overdose, seek emergency medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. You should also stop using the product and call your doctor if you feel nervous, dizzy, or unable to sleep, or if your symptoms do not improve within seven days or occur with a fever.

Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center. Signs of an overdose can vary, but they may include unusual symptoms that require prompt attention.

Always err on the side of caution—if you think you or someone else has taken too much of a medication, don’t wait. Getting timely assistance can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Pregnancy Use

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using this medication. They can provide guidance on whether it’s safe for you and your baby. Always prioritize your health and the health of your child by seeking expert advice.

Lactation Use

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication. This ensures that you understand any potential risks and can make informed decisions about your health and the health of your baby. Always prioritize open communication with your doctor regarding your breastfeeding journey.

Pediatric Use

If you have a child between the ages of 6 and 11 years, they can take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours, but it's important not to exceed 4 tablets in a 24-hour period. For children under 6 years old, this medication should not be used at all. Always follow these guidelines to ensure your child's safety and well-being.

Geriatric Use

When it comes to using this medication in older adults, there is no specific information available about dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. This means that if you or a loved one is an older adult considering this medication, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. They can help determine the best approach based on individual health needs and any other medications being taken. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare team to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Renal Impairment

If you have kidney problems, it's important to know that the drug insert does not provide specific information about dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations for your condition. This means that there are no tailored guidelines for how this medication may affect you if your kidneys are not functioning properly.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that any medication you take is safe and appropriate for your kidney health. They can help monitor your condition and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Hepatic Impairment

If you have liver problems, it's important to know that the drug insert does not provide specific information about dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or precautions for your condition. This means that there are no tailored guidelines for how this medication should be used if you have hepatic impairment (issues with liver function).

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that any medication you take is safe and appropriate for your liver health. They can help you understand how to manage your treatment effectively.

Drug Interactions

It's important to be cautious about combining medications. If you are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a type of medication used for depression, certain psychiatric conditions, or Parkinson’s disease, you should not use this product. Additionally, you should wait at least two weeks after stopping an MAOI before starting this medication. If you're unsure whether your current prescription includes an MAOI, please consult your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.

Always discuss any medications you are taking with your healthcare provider to ensure your safety and avoid potentially harmful interactions. Your health is a priority, and your provider can help you navigate any concerns regarding your treatments.

Storage and Handling

To ensure the best performance and safety of your product, store it at room temperature, ideally around 25°C (77°F). It can safely be kept in a range from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Always check the end flap for the expiration date and lot number to confirm its validity.

When handling the product, be cautious: do not use it if the outer package is opened or if the blister (the sealed compartment holding the product) is torn or broken. This tamper-evident feature is crucial for your safety, so always inspect the packaging before use.

Additional Information

You will take this medication orally. There are no additional details available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, patient counseling, or postmarketing experiences. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

FAQ

What is pseudoephedrine hydrochloride used for?

Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride is a nasal decongestant that temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies, as well as sinus congestion and pressure.

What is the recommended dosage for adults and children over 12?

Adults and children 12 years and over should take 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding 8 tablets in 24 hours.

What is the dosage for children ages 6 to 11?

Children ages 6 to 11 should take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours, with a maximum of 4 tablets in 24 hours.

Is pseudoephedrine hydrochloride safe for children under 6?

No, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride should not be used in children under 6 years of age.

Are there any contraindications for using this medication?

Do not use pseudoephedrine hydrochloride if you are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have taken one within the last 2 weeks.

What should I do if I experience side effects?

Stop using the medication and consult a doctor if you experience nervousness, dizziness, sleeplessness, or if symptoms do not improve within 7 days or occur with fever.

What precautions should I take before using this medication?

Ask a doctor before use if you have thyroid disease, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or difficulty urinating due to prostate enlargement.

What should I do in case of an overdose?

In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Can I use pseudoephedrine hydrochloride if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a health professional before using this medication.

How should I store pseudoephedrine hydrochloride?

Store the medication at 25°C (77°F), with permitted excursions between 15°-30°C (59°-86°F).

Packaging Info

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Nasal Decongestant (pseudoephedrine hcl). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Nasal Decongestant.
Details

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)

Description

Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride is a nasal decongestant available in a dosage form of 30 mg per tablet. Each package contains 96 tablets. This formulation is designed to provide relief from nasal and sinus congestion as well as sinus pressure. The product is labeled as non-drowsy. It is important to note that the packaging is tamper evident; the product should not be used if the package is opened or if the blister unit is torn, broken, or shows any signs of tampering. This product is not manufactured or distributed by Kenvue Inc., the owner of the registered trademark Sudafed® Sinus Congestion.

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 from sinus congestion and pressure.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this drug.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children aged 12 years and over are advised to take 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed. The maximum allowable dosage is 8 tablets within a 24-hour period.

For children aged 6 to 11 years, the recommended dosage is 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours, with a maximum of 4 tablets in a 24-hour period.

This medication is not recommended for use in children under 6 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 uncertain whether their prescription medication contains an MAOI.

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

Warnings and Precautions

It is imperative to adhere to the following warnings and precautions to ensure the safe use of this product.

Warnings The use of this product is contraindicated in individuals currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which includes certain medications prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, this product should not be used for a period of two weeks following the cessation of an MAOI. Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult with a doctor or pharmacist if there is uncertainty regarding the presence of an MAOI in their prescription medications.

General Precautions Prior to using this product, patients should seek medical advice if they have any of the following conditions: thyroid disease, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or difficulty in urination due to prostate gland enlargement. These conditions may necessitate careful consideration and monitoring during treatment.

Emergency Medical Help In the event of an overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay.

Discontinuation and Consultation Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. Additionally, if symptoms do not improve within seven days or are accompanied by fever, medical advice should be sought promptly.

Side Effects

Patients should be aware of the potential adverse reactions associated with the use of this medication. Serious adverse reactions may occur, particularly in individuals who are currently taking or have recently discontinued a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). It is contraindicated to use this medication in conjunction with MAOIs or within two weeks of stopping such treatment.

Common adverse reactions that warrant discontinuation of use and consultation with a healthcare provider include nervousness, dizziness, and sleeplessness. Patients should also seek medical advice if symptoms do not improve within seven days or if they are accompanied by fever.

Additionally, patients with pre-existing conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or difficulty in urination due to prostate gland enlargement should consult a healthcare professional before using this medication.

In the event of an overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center.

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 medication contains an MAOI before initiating treatment with this product.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Nasal Decongestant (pseudoephedrine hcl). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Nasal Decongestant.
Details

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients aged 6 to 11 years may take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours, with a maximum of 4 tablets in a 24-hour period. The use of this medication is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

Geriatric Use

There is no specific information available regarding the use of this medication in geriatric patients, including dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to elderly patients, as individual responses may vary. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any adverse effects or changes in efficacy.

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 considered in these populations to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus or infant.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is currently no available data regarding the excretion of this medication 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 studied in relation to dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations for this medication. As such, there is no available information regarding the use of this drug in individuals with reduced kidney function. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution and consider the lack of data when prescribing this medication to patients with renal impairment.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to this drug. Consequently, there are no 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. Prompt intervention is crucial to mitigate potential adverse effects associated with the overdose.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that the specific symptoms of an overdose may vary depending on the substance involved. Therefore, a thorough assessment of the patient's condition is essential to determine the appropriate course of action.

Management of an overdose typically involves supportive care and symptomatic treatment. This may include monitoring vital signs, providing respiratory support if necessary, and administering specific antidotes if applicable. The healthcare provider should follow established protocols for overdose management and consider the patient's medical history and any co-ingested substances.

In summary, timely medical intervention and appropriate management strategies are vital in addressing overdose situations effectively.

Nonclinical Toxicology

There is currently no available information regarding teratogenic effects. Additionally, no data has been provided concerning non-teratogenic effects. The nonclinical toxicology section does not contain any relevant information at this time. Furthermore, there is no information available related to animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has shown that the following adverse reactions may occur: nervousness, dizziness, and sleeplessness. These events have been reported voluntarily or identified through surveillance programs.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center in the event of an overdose. It is crucial to inform patients that this product should not be used concurrently with prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are medications prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease. Patients should also be cautioned against using this product for at least two weeks after discontinuing an MAOI. If patients are uncertain whether their prescription medication contains an MAOI, they should be encouraged to consult with their doctor or pharmacist.

Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. Additionally, they should be advised to stop using the product and seek medical advice if their symptoms do not improve within seven days or if they experience symptoms accompanied by fever.

It is important to emphasize to patients the necessity of adhering to the recommended dosage and not exceeding it. Healthcare providers should also recommend that patients consult with a doctor prior to use if they have any of the following conditions: thyroid disease, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or difficulty in urination due to an enlarged prostate gland.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a tamper-evident package. It is essential to refrain from using the product if the outer package is opened or if the blister is torn or broken.

Storage conditions require the product to be maintained at a temperature of 25°C (77°F), with permissible excursions between 15°-30°C (59°-86°F). For optimal integrity, it is advised to check the end flap for the expiration date and lot number prior to use.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. There are no additional details available regarding laboratory tests, abuse information, patient counseling, or postmarketing experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)

Data Generation & Sources

This page was automatically generated and is maintained by the AllDrugs AI Data-Science Team. It was built from the FDA Structured Product Label (DailyMed) for Nasal Decongestant, retrieved by a validated AI data-extraction workflow.

All FDA-listed dosage forms and strengths are shown in the Packaging & NDC Codes section above. Regulatory status appears in the Summary Information panel above and was verified in the FDA National Drug Code directory and the NSDE NDC Directory daily file.

Note: an automated daemon monitors NSDE checksums; when the record for this NDC changes, the new file is pulled instantly and this page is refreshed.

No human clinician has reviewed this version.

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Orange Book data shown on this page are limited to Regulatory Status (Rx), Established Pharmacologic Class (EPC), and Mechanism of Action (MoA).

Regulatory data notice: Information on this page is reproduced verbatim from FDA public databases (NSDE, Orange Book, Purple Book, DailyMed SPL). NDA/ANDA drugs are FDA-approved, BLA biologics are FDA-licensed. Inclusion alone does not guarantee current market availability or imply FDA endorsement.

Medical disclaimer: This AI-generated content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment decisions.