How Does This Medication Work What Will It Do For Me
Pseudoephedrine belongs to a group of medications called . It is used to temporarily relieve symptoms of nasal or sinus congestion that occur with allergies, sinusitis, ear infections, and the common cold. Pseudoephedrine works by causing the blood vessels in the sinuses to tighten, decreasing the swelling of the sinuses and making it easier to breathe.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Pseudoephedrine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to pseudoephedrine.
Do not use pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:
- heart disease or high blood pressure
- enlarged prostate and urination problems
- diabetes or
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Dr Fauci Says Some Tylenol After The Vaccine Should Be Ok
Aches and pains are a common side effect of the COVID vaccine. “If someone gets achy or gets a headache and it’s really bothering you, I mean, I would believe as a physician that I would have no trouble taking a couple of Tylenol for that,” he said. “So again, people are going to come back and forth and say, well, it could mute or dampen the immunological response to the vaccine itself. I don’t see any biological mechanisms why something like Tylenol would not do that.”
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Is It Okay To Take Amoxicillin Capsules With Sudafed Decongestants
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.
/13can Medications Alter Covid Vaccine Response Is There A Need To Switch Medications
COVID vaccines work to generate a robust immune response upon injection. The potential effectiveness of the vaccines may come down to how well your body responds to it.
For the ones suffering from comorbidities, a slow immune response may be a possibility, in some extreme cases. Usage of some drugs may also make the body ‘busy’, leading to a delayed immune response to the vaccine.
That being said, if you are someone enlisted to get the vaccine in the coming while, there are certain medicines and therapies which may make you want to double-check with the doctor or postpone an appointment right now.
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Can I Use Sudafed Or Mucinex While Pregnant
Consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy. Generally, Sudafed cannot be taken in the first trimester but can be taken occasionally during the second and third trimester provided you do not have heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.
Sudafed-PE is not recommended in pregnancy.
Mucinex can usually be used safely in pregnancy. Again, be sure to check with your doctor before using Sudafed or Mucinex while pregnant.
How Should I Use This Medication
The usual recommended dose for adults and children 12 years of age and older is one tablet every 12 hours. Do not take more than 2 doses per day.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use higher doses than those recommended by your doctor.
If you are using this medication regularly and you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
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How To Cope With Side Effects
What to do about:
- feeling or being sick â try taking pseudoephedrine with or after a meal or snack. It may also help if you do not eat rich or spicy food. If you have been sick, drink plenty of water by having frequent sips to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having strong-smelling pee.
- headaches â make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Ask a pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. If your headache does not go away, stop taking pseudoephedrine or see your doctor. It may be because pseudoephedrine can increase your blood pressure.
- dry mouth â chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free sweets.
- feeling restless, nervous or shaky â stop taking pseudoephedrine and talk to a doctor if symptoms do not go away. Ask a pharmacist about trying a different medicine.
- difficulty sleeping â try not to have a big meal in the evening and avoid drinking alcohol, tea or coffee. Try not to watch television or use your mobile phone before going to bed. Try to relax for an hour before bedtime.
Sudafed For Sinus Infection
Sudafed is a brand name for a powerful decongestant, pseudoephedrine used widely for treating sinus congestion. This works by shrinking the dilated blood vessels in the nose that can cause stuffiness. Some variants of Sudafed are prepared with a combination of ibuprofen that can provide relief from headaches and muscle aches while some other variants are prepared with other nasal congestants that provide more effective relief.
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Other Uses For This Medicine
This medication is also sometimes used to prevent ear pain and blockage caused by pressure changes during air travel or underwater diving. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Warnings Of Sudafed And Mucinex
Sudafed has some warnings to be mindful of. It may cause nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. As stated above, if you take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor , such as selegiline or tranylcypromine, do not take Sudafed. Also, allow two weeks after stopping the MAOI before using Sudafed.
If you have certain health conditions, you should check with your doctor before using Sudafed. These include heart problems, high blood pressure , thyroid disease, diabetes, or enlarged prostate.
Sudafed should not be used in the first trimester of pregnancy. You may be able to use Sudafed in the second or third trimester but would need to consult your healthcare provider. Sudafed may be used occasionally while breastfeeding, but only if your doctor approves. Sudafed-PE should not be used during pregnancy.
Mucinex also has several warnings. You should consult your healthcare provider before using Mucinex if you have a persistent or chronic cough like the type that occurs with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema or a cough accompanied by a very large amount of mucus.
Mucinex extended-release tablets should not be crushed or chewed. The tablet should be swallowed whole and taken with a full glass of water. Mucinex may be used in pregnancy, and with caution during breastfeeding, as long as your healthcare provider approves. Children under four years should not take cold medications such as Sudafed or Mucinex. Consult your healthcare provider for advice.
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Dr Fauci Warns Don’t Take This Medication With The Covid Vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine is here, and with it, many questions about what to do after you get it. Top of mind for many is, can you still take your medications? Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief medical advisor to the President and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, spoke with CBSN about just that during a Q+A session. “Patients often ask me whether they should be taking pain relievers either before or after the vaccine shot,” asked a healthcare worker. “I’ve heard mixed advice. What do you think?” Read on for his answer, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss theseSure Signs You’ve Already Had Coronavirus.
Precautions Of Sudafed For Sinus Infection
It is not very wise to take Sudafed to treat a sinus infection without consulting thoroughly with a doctor. Sudafed is easily available in various online medical shops.
Some of the things you should inform the doctor during a consultation include-
- If you have issues taking pain relievers
- Whether you have a history of stomach ailments including heartburn
- If you are taking any other drug such as aspirin
- If you are allergic to drugs such as penicillin, amoxicillin or clavulanic acid
- Whether you have had negative reactions to ephedrine or phenylephrine.
- If you have any issues in the kidneys, or heart such as chest pain, heart failure, heart attack, irregular heartbeat
- Whether you are suffering from an enlarged prostate
- If you are suffering from hyperthyroidism
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding
Read more:
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Before Taking This Medicine
Do not use Sudafed if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone , isocarboxazid , phenelzine , rasagiline , selegiline , or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects. Do not use Sudafed if you are allergic to pseudoephedrine or to other decongestants, diet pills, stimulants, or ADHD medications.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take Sudafed if you have:
-
heart disease or high blood pressure
-
diabetes or
-
a thyroid disorder.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Sudafed will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Sudafed. Pseudoephedrine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Sudafed without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Artificially sweetened liquid cold medicine may contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria , check the medication label to see if the product contains phenylalanine.
Bronchitis: No Antibiotics Needed
by Guest Blogger | Feb 18, 2021 | Blog, Health & Wellness
Many of us have struggled with bronchitis, but its probably a bit more complicated than you think! Here is Dr. Shorts advice for how to deal with that pesky, lingering cough often labeled as bronchitis:
For your symptoms I recommend trying to clean up the sinuses, as most often the sore throat and bronchial inflammation is due to mucus draining from the sinuses into the lungs, called post-nasal drip. Patients often describe this as moving into my chest as thats exactly whats happening. Medications like Sudafed work quickly to dry this up. Sudafed is a brand, but the medication pseudoephedrine is the behind the counter medicine that actually works . Dont buy anything that doesnt have pseudoephedrine ER 120mg on the label, phenylephrine is not what you want.
For aches and pains I recommend taking both ibuprofen 600mg WITH acetaminophen 1000mg every 8 hours, they work synergistically!
I also recommend drinking at least 3-4 liters of water a day to help thin the mucus, and it just feels good to be hydrated ya know?
Big caveat to note, here: some people should not take Sudafed/pseudoephedrine, acetaminophen or ibuprofen . Please, please double-check with us before you embark on any of this self-treatment.
A quick explanation on why I dont recommend any antibiotics for this:
As always, reach out to us directly if you have questions or concerns about your health.
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/13asthma And Allergic Medications
Allergies have been a talking point with the COVID-19 vaccines since it can make some prone to developing anaphylaxis, which is a worrisome, severe allergic reaction.
However, Dr Pandit says that most medications, or antihistamines used by those suffering from allergies have been found to be safe when used with the COVID-19 vaccine. “Vaccine is safe amongst those with food allergy and common allergic conditions like Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis and Allergic Dermatitis. Only people who have an Anaphylaxis to any of the vaccine contents, should NOT take the vaccine.”
Skipping Or Overdose Of Sudafed For Sinus Infection
If you have missed a dose of Sudafed, if theres enough time between the skipped dose and the next dose, then take it. Otherwise, if the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and stick to your regular schedule.
In case the patient takes an overdose accidentally and he/she is experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness or headache, then take them to to the doctor without further delay.
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/13the Medicines You Can And Cannot Take Along With Your Covid Vaccine
Coronavirus vaccines are being prioritized for elderlies and the ones over 45, with comorbidities.
From statins, anticoagulants, immunosuppressants to blood sugar pills, most people with comorbidities rely on maintenance medications to regulate vital functioning and thus, need to be used regularly.
However, with the arrival of COVID vaccines, there also have been some unfortunate discoveries. The usage of blood-thinning medications and strangely enough, derma fillers have been brought to question since they have been found to trigger some unique immune responses. Predisposition to some conditions or routine medicines may also make some develop unusual rashes and swellings.
What Are The Side Effects Of Pseudoephedrine
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using pseudoephedrine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- dizziness
- sleep problems .
Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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What Are The Main Differences Between Mucinex Vs Sudafed
Sudafed contains a nasal decongestant called pseudoephedrine . Sudafed helps relieve a stuffy nose.
Mucinex contains an expectorant called guaifenesin. Guaifenesin helps thin and loosen up chest congestion when you have a phlegmy cough. Some formulations of Mucinex also contain other ingredients like dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant. This is indicated by letters after the namefor example, Mucinex contains guaifenesin, while Mucinex-DM contains guaifenesin and dextromethorphan.
Although both medications treat common cold symptoms, Sudafed and Mucinex are quite different. It is important to note that there are many products on the shelves with multiple ingredients which include pseudoephedrine or guaifenesinor both, but we are just focusing on the single-ingredient product of Sudafed vs Mucinex here. While shopping at the pharmacy, the pharmacist can help you figure out which product best suits your needs.
| Main differences between Mucinex vs. Sudafed |
|---|
| Sudafed |
| Yes |
Urgent Advice: Call 111 For Advice Now If:
- you take too much pseudoephedrine
Taking too much pseudoephedrine can be dangerous.
It can make you restless or your heartbeat fast, and make you feel sick or vomit. You may also have difficulty peeing.
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
If you need to go to A& E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.
Take the pseudoephedrine packet or leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine, with you.
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Common Side Effects Of Sudafed And Mucinex
Common side effects of Sudafed include nervousness, restlessness, and trouble sleeping. Less common side effects may include headache, increased heartbeat, or painful urination.
With Mucinex, side effects are rare but may include dizziness, headache, diarrhea, or nausea.
Whether you take Sudafed or Mucinex, be sure to follow the package directions and do not exceed the maximum recommended dose. If you have side effects that are bothersome, stop the medication and consult your healthcare provider.
/13medications You Shouldn’t Be Taking Before A Jab
While COVID vaccines are still subject to ongoing research, doctors, right now, warn beneficiaries to comprehend the risk factors associated with some steroid medications.
Chronic steroids can be taken as needed. However, steroid injections and medications for other therapies which need to be taken regularly can pose problems. It’s best to consult with your healthcare provider first to know the right way to proceed with the vaccination.
Severe dose painkillers are also best avoided before vaccination, as they may cause unpleasant reactions. “Wait until after the vaccination to take a painkiller like ibuprofen or aspirin to make symptoms subside”, says Dr Pandit.
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