Sudafed for Sinus infection- Effectiveness, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

Sudafed for Sinus Infection- Effectiveness, Dosage, Side effects and Interactions

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.

Table of Contents

Effectiveness of Sudafed for Sinus Infection

After taking Sudafed for Sinus infection, people can get relief from the following symptoms-

Fever
Sinus pressure
Headache
Body aches and pains
Nasal congestion
Swelling of nasal passages
Breathing freely through the nose

Dosage for Sudafed for Sinus Infection

The medicine Sudafed for sinus infection is available in various forms for adults and children suffering from sinusitis–

SUDAFED PE® Sinus Pressure + Pain
Children’s SUDAFED PE® Nasal Decongestant, Berry Liquid
SUDAFED PE® Sinus Congestion Day + Night
Children’s SUDAFED PE® Cough + Cold, Grape Liquid
SUDAFED PE® for Head Congestion + Pain Relief
Children’s SUDAFED® Nasal Decongestant, Grape Liquid
SUDAFED® Sinus 12 Hour Pressure + Pain
SUDAFED PE® Head Congestion + Mucus
SUDAFED PE® Head Congestion + Flu Severe
SUDAFED® Sinus Congestion 12 Hour
SUDAFED® Sinus Congestion
SUDAFED PE® Sinus Congestion
SUDAFED® Sinus Congestion 24 Hour

Apart from the Sudafed medicines especially manufactured for children, don’t give any other variants of Sudafed without properly consulting with a doctor.

Doctors, generally, recommend taking the medicine before the meal for better absorption of the clavulanate potassium by the body. The dosage for taking Sudafed for treating sinus infection is different in adults and children.

Adult Dose for Nasal Congestion

Maximum dose in a day- 240 mg/day
Immediate dosage after diagnosis- 30 to 60 mg orally every 4-6 hours
After 12 hours of diagnosis- 120 mg orally every 12 hours
After 24 hours of diagnosis- 240 mg orally every 24 hours

Pediatric Dose for Nasal Congestion

Immediate dosage for 4-5 years of age- 15 mg orally every 4-6 hours
Dosage for 6-12 years of age- 30 mg orally every 4-6 hours
Immediate dosage for over 12 years of age- 30-60 mg orally every 4-6 hours
After 12 hours of diagnosis- 120 mg orally every 12 hours
After 24 hours of diagnosis- 240 mg orally every 24 hours

Skipping or Overdose of Sudafed for Sinus Infection

If you have missed a dose of Sudafed, if there’s 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.

Side effects of Taking Sudafed for Sinus Infection

Although this medicine can help in relieving out various symptoms of sinusitis, it can incur some unwanted side effects also. However, these occur only in rare instances and may require immediate medical attention.

If any of the following side effects develop after taking Sudafed for sinus infection, talk to your doctor without any further delay.

Difficulty resting
Feeling nervous
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Headache
Excessive sweating
Difficulty urinating
Nausea
Vomiting
Feeling weak
Paleness on the face
Anxiety
Skin rashes
High blood pressure

Interactions of Sudafed for Sinus infection

As Sudafed is an allopathic medicine prepared with chemical compounds, it can easily react with any other drug in the body and cause a severe reaction. Some times it can make the side effects of the Sudafed more severe.

Moreover, the severe side effects can, in turn, make the body weaker and prone to other health problems. Therefore, before taking the medicine let your doctor know if you are taking any of the following medicines-

Adderall
Aspirin
Allegra
Cymbalta
Synthroid
Vitamin C
Xanax
Cetirizine

In addition to this, remember that Sudafed can cause drowsiness. Hence, remember not to drink alcohol while you are on the course of this drug. Or else, it can make the side effects worse.

Moreover, people suffering from particular health condition can also have side effects when they take Sudafed without proper consultation.

Narrowing of Gastrointestinal tract
Diabetes
Cardiovascular ailments
Glaucoma
Phenylketonuria
Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Substitutes of Sudafed for Sinus Infection

Take these medicines as they are made of the same composition and are of the same strength when you are not able to get hold of Sudafed. These are also very effective in curing sinusitis.

Phenylephrine
Flonase
Nasacort AQ
Afrin

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

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