Pseudoephedrine

SUDAFED

Pronunciation: soo-doe-e-FED-rin

What it isIndirect sympathomimetic that releases norepinephrine; temporary relief of nasal congestion.

Why this oneUnlike oral phenylephrine, it reliably decongests, which preserves its role despite behind-the-counter restrictions.

What limits itHypertension, insomnia, and urinary retention can end use; purchases are restricted because it is a methamphetamine precursor.

FDA-approved for

FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target	Max
Nasal congestion (OTC decongestant)	Adults & children ≥12 yr	2 tablets q4–6h	2 tablets q4–6h	8 tablets/24h
Nasal congestion (OTC decongestant)	Children 6–11 yr	1 tablet q4–6h	1 tablet q4–6h	4 tablets/24h

Renal Undefined

Hepatic Undefined

Doses are spaced every 4 to 6 hours; do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours (adults/≥12 yr) or 4 tablets in 24 hours (ages 6–11).

Available strengths

Ask a doctor before use if you have: heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, or difficulty in urination due to prostate enlargement
Do not exceed recommended dosage
Stop use and ask a doctor if nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness occur, or if symptoms do not improve within 7 days or occur with fever

Pregnancy OTC carton: if pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use

Lactation OTC carton: if pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use

Pseudoephedrine (SUDAFED)

What pharmacies pay · NADAC 9/30/26 · OTC

Strength		#/mo	generic $/unit	CostPlus
30 mg	tab	per unit	$0.08/ea	not offered
60 mg	tab	per unit	$0.08/ea	not offered
120 mg	tab	per unit	$0.28/ea	not offered

NO BOXED WARNINGS

Principal riskHypertension and insomnia; purchase is restricted

Therapeutic safety burden1 / 4

Overdose danger2 / 4

Weight-gain liability0 / 4

Sedation liability0 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Defining liabilitySympathomimetic hypertension, palpitations and insomnia