- What is pseudoephedrine?
- Uses temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies temporarily relieves sinus congestion and pressure
- What kind of drug is pseudoephedrine?
- The FDA classifies pseudoephedrine as an alpha-adrenergic agonist. Alpha-adrenergic agonists switch on alpha receptors on blood-vessel walls, much like the body's own adrenaline. This tightens the smooth muscle around the vessels, narrowing them to raise blood pressure or reduce swelling and congestion. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
- Can you take pseudoephedrine with other medicines?
- It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run pseudoephedrine against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
- What brand names is pseudoephedrine sold under?
- We track 5 pseudoephedrine-containing products in the U.S.: Sudafed 12 Hour, Afrinol, Novafed, Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride and Sudafed 24 Hour. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
- What forms does pseudoephedrine come in?
- Across the brands we track, pseudoephedrine is currently marketed as capsule, extended release, tablet, extended release and tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.
- Is there a generic pseudoephedrine?
- Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic pseudoephedrine product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.