Pseudoephedrine (a sympathomimetic) is an orally effective nasal
decongestant with peripheral effects similar to epinephrine and central
effects similar to, but less intense than, amphetamines. It has the
potential for excitatory side effects.
Adults and children 12 years of age and older—60 milligrams (mg) every
four to six hours. Do not take more than 240 mg in twenty-four hours.
Children 4mg/kg/day,
Contraindications: Patients with severe hypertension, severe coronary
artery disease, and patients on MAO inhibitor therapy. Also
contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to
sympathomimetic amines which may be manifested by insomnia, dizziness,
weakness, tremor or arrhythmias.
MAO inhibitors and beta adrenergic blockers increase the effects of
pseudoephedrine. Sympathomimetics may reduce the antihypertensive
effects of methyldopa, mecamylamine, reserpine and veratrum alkaloids.
Side effects; Hyper-reactive individuals may display ephedrine-like
reactions such as tachycardia, palpitations, headache, dizziness or
nausea. Sympathomimetics have been associated with certain untoward
reactions including fear, anxiety, tenseness, restlessness, tremor,
weakness, pallor, respiratory difficulty, dysuria, insomnia,
hallucinations, convulsions, CNS depression, arrhythmias, and
cardiovascular collapse with hypotension.
