What is sudafed?

Sudafed® is a branded drug that can actually refer to several different drugs. In the past, when people bought this medicine in the form of pills, they got a decongestant called pseudoephedrine. This was widely available at the counter and, for many people without conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, it turned out to be very useful in removing the symptoms of nasal overload. Pseudoephedrine could be used to create some illegal forms of methamphetamine and people had quick access to its high volume. In 2000 it was decided to change the formulation of Sudafed® and was replaced mainly by a drug called phenylefrin. Now, if people go to their drug store to buy over the Sudafed® counter, they probably get a nasal decongestant that contains phenylefrin, and this decongestant can be found on other things that once continued pseudoephedrin.As many combinations of colds and influenza or antihistamines sprays.

There are some people who do not feel that there is a big difference between pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. Others are very divided and believe that pseudoephedrine has been much more effective. Although not available in the sense of "over the counter", most people still do not need a pseudoephedrine prescription. They can get it by approaching a pharmacist and asking for it. This allows the pharmacy to monitor the sale of drugs, reduce them to certain amounts and ensure that applications for drug are for personal and not illegal use.

both of these drugs at present and the former Sudafed® have seen scary effects. Pseudoephedrine can cause dry mouth and eyes, rapid heart rhythm, increased nervousness, insomnia and hyperactive behavior. More serious side effects such as cardiac arrhythmias have been reported on rare occasions, and the drug is usually not recommended for people with thyroid disorders, cardiac conditions, anxiety disorder, enlarged prostateou, glaucoma or those treated with antidepressants or mood stabilizers.

phenylephrine effects are important to note because they can cause high blood pressure and a decongestant is usually contraindicated if people currently have hypertension or take hypertension medications. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine have many same contraindications. An important supplement is that the latter was associated with causing seizures in people with epilepsy. Milder side effects may include dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, excitability, headaches and stomach.

It is easy to forget that medicine over the counter is still a medicine. Can interact with other medicines or other conditions that a person has. If you have doubts or if a person has a prominent medical society should talk to a doctor or pharmacist about the suitability of receiving either Sudafed® forms.