Pseudoephedrine

Temporary relief of nasal congestion due to common cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies. Temporary relief of sinus congestion and pressure. (24 Hr) Reduce swelling of nasal passages. (Liq) Promotion of nasal and/or sinus drainage.

Oral
Adult: As hydrochloride or sulfate: 60 mg every 4-6 hr. Max: 4 doses in 24 hr. As modified-release preparation: 120 mg every 12 hr or 240 mg every 24 hr. 
Child: As hydrochloride or sulfate: 2-6 yr: 15 mg 3-4 times daily; 6-12 yr: 30 mg 3-4 times daily.

Severe hypertension, phaeochromocytoma.

Do not exceed recommended dosage.
Hyperthyroidism; ischaemic heart disease, arrhythmia or tachycardia; occlusive vascular disorders e.g. arteriosclerosis, hypertension or aneurysms; DM and closed-angle glaucoma; renal impairment, prostatic enlargement. Pregnancy, lactation.

D/C if nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness occur, and if symptoms do not improve within 7 days or occur with a fever. (Tab/12 Hr/24 Hr) Caution with difficulty urinating due to enlarged prostate gland. (Liq) Contains 5mg sodium per 5mL. (24 Hr) May cause bowel obstruction; caution with history of obstruction/narrowing of bowel. D/C if persistent abdominal pain/vomiting occur.( tab contains 10mg sodium )

Anginal pain; rebound congestion and rhinorrhoea; fear, anxiety, restlessness, tremor, insomnia, confusion, irritability and psychotic states; reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting; gangrene; cerebral haemorrhage and pulmonary oedema; reflex bradycardia, tachycardia and cardiac arrhythmias, palpitations and cardiac arrest, hypotension and dizziness, fainting and flushing. Tissue necrosis and sloughing; myocardial and arterial necrosis.

Increased risk of hypertension and arrhythmias if given with cardiac glycosides, quinidine or TCAs. Increased risk of vasoconstrictor effects if given with ergot alkaloids or oxytocin. Co-admin with MAOIs may cause hypertensive crisis. Anaesthetics e.g. cyclopropane, halothane and other halogenated anaesthestics; antihypertensive agents.

Pseudoephedrine is both an α-and β-adrenergic receptor agonist. It causes vasoconstriction via direct stimulation of α-adrenergic receptors of the respiratory mucosa. It also directly stimulates β-adrenergic receptors causing bronchial relaxation, increased heart rate and contractility.
Onset: Oral: 15-30 minutes.
Duration: As immediate-release tablet: 4-6 hr. As sustained-release preparation: 12 hr.
Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the GI tract.
Distribution: Small amounts are distributed into breast milk.
Metabolism: Hepatic.
Excretion: Via the urine largely as unchanged drug with some of its hepatic metabolites. Half-life: about 5-8 hr.

C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.