These medicines should not be used in children under 6 years old. The risk of side-effects is higher than any benefit they may have. For children aged 6 to 12, decongestants can be used but are only sold in pharmacies with the advice of a pharmacist.
It is important to remember that some medicines that you can buy to treat colds or sinusitis contain other medicines as well. For example, some may contain paracetamol or ibuprofen and some contain alcohol. This is important if you are already taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to help the symptoms of your infection for example, a high temperature. You may take too much paracetamol or ibuprofen overdose without realising.
Taking too much paracetamol can damage your liver. You should also not use these decongestants while you are taking a certain type of antidepressant called a monoamine-oxidase inhibitor MAOI and for two weeks after you stop it. This is because, when taken at the same time as an MAOI antidepressant, decongestants may cause very large increases in blood pressure.
Most people are able to take or use these medicines with very few, or no, side-effects. If side-effects do occur, they usually go away after a few days. Some people have reported nasal burning, irritation and dryness after using decongestant nasal sprays and nose drops.
Other side-effects that have been reported with nasal decongestants include feeling sick nausea and headache. Oral decongestants may cause anxiety, restlessness, problems with sleeping, and being aware of a fast or fluttering heartbeat. See the leaflet that came with your medicines for more detailed information on the side-effects of these medicines.
There are a large number of oral and nasal decongestants that you can buy from your local pharmacy or supermarket. They come in many different brand names. See the leaflet that came with your medicines for more detailed information on who should avoid taking these medicines.
If you are unsure whether these medicines are safe for you, always ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice. If you think you have had a side-effect to one of your medicines you can report this on the Yellow Card Scheme.
You can do this online at www. The Yellow Card Scheme is used to make pharmacists, doctors and nurses aware of any new side-effects that medicines or any other healthcare products may have caused. If you wish to report a side-effect, you will need to provide basic information about:. Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions.
Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions. In this series. These medicines are not suitable for children under 6 years old. In this article What are decongestants? How do decongestants work? When are decongestants used or prescribed? Some important considerations What about side-effects?
Can I buy decongestants? Who cannot take decongestants? Decongestants In this article What are decongestants? What are decongestants? Conditions which cause congestion include: The common cold. Hay fever or other allergies. A number of decongestants are available in the UK. They include: Ephedrine Oxymetazoline Xylometazoline Phenylephrine Pseudoephedrine Ipratropium bromide Some are available as sprays or drops that can be put into the nose sometimes referred to as topical decongestants.
For example, the following may be helpful: Salt water saline nose drops. These are a popular treatment for a bunged-up nose in a baby. Steam inhalations. Steam may help to clear the nasal congestion but only has an effect for a short time. This may be useful before bedtime to help you get off to sleep.
Do not give pseudoephedrine extended-release tablets to children younger than 12 years of age. If you are giving pseudoephedrine or a combination product that contains pseudoephedrine to a child, read the package label carefully to be sure that it is the right product for a child of that age.
Do not give pseudoephedrine products that are made for adults to children. Before you give a pseudoephedrine product to a child, check the package label to find out how much medication the child should receive. Give the dose that matches the child's age on the chart. Ask the child's doctor if you don't know how much medication to give the child. If you are taking the liquid, do not use a household spoon to measure your dose.
Use the measuring spoon or cup that came with the medication or use a spoon made especially for measuring medication. If your symptoms do not get better within 7 days or if you have a fever, stop taking pseudoephedrine and call your doctor. 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. Foods and drinks that contain large amounts of caffeine can make the side effects of pseudoephedrine worse. This medication is usually taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take pseudoephedrine regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Pseudoephedrine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture not in the bathroom. Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them.
However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily.
To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at If you are taking the hour extended-release tablets, you may notice something that looks like a tablet in your stool.
This is just the empty tablet shell, and this does not mean that you did not get your complete dose of medication. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Federal law generally requires that prescription drugs in the U. Generic alternatives may be available. Pseudoephedrine pronounced as soo doe e fed' rin. Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow?
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