Cold & Flu Treatment Over the Counter Sudafed Drug Profile and Side Effects By Kristina Duda, RN facebook twitter linkedin Kristina Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002. She specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention. Learn about our editorial process Kristina Duda, RN Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO on April 15, 2020 Jason DelCollo, DO, board-certified in family medicine. He is associate faculty at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine as well as adjunct faculty with the Crozer Family Medicine Residency Program, and is an attending physician at Glen Mills Family Medicine in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Jason DelCollo, DO on April 15, 2020 Print Sudafed is nasal decongestant used to treat congestion. Because it was being widely abused as a raw ingredient in methamphetamines, Sudafed is now located behind the counter, but it doesn't require a prescription. Simply ask your pharmacist, show a photo ID and sign upon purchase. Image Source / Getty Images Sudafed PE, however, is sold on drugstore shelves. That's because Sudafed and Sudafed PE are made with different formulations. In 2006 the FDA passed a law that requires Sudafed to be sold behind the counter because its active ingredient is pseudoephedrine, which is used to manufacture illegal methamphetamines. Sudafed PE, however, is available over-the-counter. Its active ingredient is phenylephrine. What Is Sudafed? The active ingredient in Sudafed, pseudoephedrine, is used to alleviate nasal congestion caused by allergies, colds, and other upper respiratory illnesses. It can also be used to relieve sinus congestion and pressure caused by sinusitis, or a sinus infection. Congestion occurs when blood vessels in the nasal passages and airways swell and expand, becoming inflamed. Sudafed works by shrinking the blood vessels back to their normal size to allow more airflow and mucus to drain. It is used to relieve symptoms, not to treat the causes of symptoms or to speed up recovery. Adults and children over 12 years old should take two caplets every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed four doses in 24 hours. Children ages 6 to 12 years old should take one caplet every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed four doses in 24 hours. Children under 6 years should never take Sudafed unless directed to do so by a doctor. Sudafed should also be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew Sudafed. Common Side Effects ConfusionNervous feelingHeadacheNauseaVomitingLoss of appetiteRestlessnessDizzinessStomach painDifficulty breathingA fast, pounding or irregular heartbeatNervousnessSleeplessnessNasal congestion that lasts for more than seven days or is accompanied by a feverHeart diseaseHigh blood pressureThyroid diseaseDiabetesProstate issues Sudafed and other decongestants typically do not cause any side effects, and if side effects occur, they're usually mild. Still, it's important to know that side effects are possible. The chemical formulation of Sudafed is similar to adrenaline, which, in addition to acting as a natural decongestant, is also a stimulant. Taking a decongestant such as Sudafed can make a person feel jittery, and it can also impact a person's blood pressure, pulse and ability to fall asleep, although this isn't common. Other side effects of Sudafed are more serious. If you experience any of the following, contact your doctor immediately: Should Anyone Not Take Sudafed? Sudafed and other decongestants are safe for most people, but there are some exceptions. Do not take Sudafed without your doctor's permission if you have any of the following: Additionally, you should not use Sudafed if you are currently taking an MAOI or for the 2 weeks after you stop the use of an MAOI. If you have any questions or hesitations, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication. Keep Sudafed and all other medications, for that matter, out of reach of children. In the case of an overdose, contact Poison Control or visit an emergency room immediately. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Looking to avoid getting the flu? Our free guide has everything you need to stay healthy this season. Sign up and get yours today. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Dobkin C, Nicosia N. The War on Drugs: Methamphetamine, Public Health, and Crime. American Economic Review. 2009;99(1):324-349. doi:10.1257/aer.99.1.324 Eccles R. Substitution of phenylephrine for pseudoephedrine as a nasal decongeststant. An illogical way to control methamphetamine abuse. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2007;63(1):10–14. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2006.02833.x Deckx L, Sutter AID, Guo L, Mir NA, Driel MLV. Nasal decongestants in monotherapy for the common cold. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016. doi:10.1002/14651858.cd009612.pub2 Laccourreye O, Werner A, Giroud J-P, Couloigner V, Bonfils P, Bondon-Guitton E. Benefits, limits and danger of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine as nasal decongestants. European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases. 2015;132(1):31-34. doi:10.1016/j.anorl.2014.11.001 Additional Reading "Products/Sudafed Nasal Decongestant." Sudafed & Sudafed PE. 2005. Pfizer Inc. 22 Jan 2007. NHS Choices.Decongestants. (2016, March 03).