Pseudoephedrine

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Joseph Blais, Pharmacist

Last updated on 18/03/2021.

GENERIC NAME: Pseudoephedrine

CHINESE NAME: 偽麻黃素

BRAND NAME(S) IN HONG KONG: Actifed, Clarinase 佳連利絲, Logicin Sinus 樂治仙鼻竇藥片, Telfast-D, Zyrtec-D 治敏速通鼻配方

DRUG CLASS: Alpha- / Beta-agonist; Decongestant

USED FOR: Nasal congestion associated with common cold, flu or allergies

OTHER DRUGS IN THE SAME CLASS: Oxymetazoline, Phenylephrine, Xylometazoline

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS: 60mg (tablets)

What is Pseudoephedrine for?

Pseudoephedrine is a vasoconstrictor which can constrict your blood vessels to decrease swelling and therefore can be used as a decongestant. It can be used to treat nasal congestion in cold, flu or allergies. Pseudoephedrine is usually combined with antihistamines like Loratadine and Chlorpheniramine in a cold and cough preparation.

How to use it?

Pseudoephedrine can be taken by mouth in many forms like tablets, syrup, and solution etc. Adults and children between 12 and 17 years old should take 60 mg 3-4 times daily while children between 6 and 11 years old should take 30 mg 3-4 times daily.

What are the side effects of Pseudoephedrine?

Common side effects of Pseudoephedrine include dizziness, headache, tremors, trouble sleeping, nervousness, and high blood pressure. Since Pseudoephedrine can also tighten the muscles in the prostate and bladder, you should be used with caution if you have prostate problems due to the difficulty in urination.

Who should not take Pseudoephedrine?

– People allergic to Pseudoephedrine or any formulation component
– People who are currently taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, and those what have taken them in the past 14 days

Pharmacist Tips:

– Do not use Pseudoephedrine for longer than 7-10 days to prevent rebound nasal congestion.
– Stop taking Pseudoephedrine and notify your doctor or pharmacist if you develop nervousness, dizziness or sleeplessness.
– Over-the-counter products containing Pseudoephedrine are not for children younger than 4 years of age.

Common dosing schedule:
You can take Pseudoephedrine with or without food.

Do not take this drug at bedtime to avoid insomnia.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications pseudoephedrine may interact with:
– Ergot derivatives, e.g. Ergotamine
– Fentanyl
– Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, e.g. Isocarboxazid, Selegiline
– Sympathomimetics, e.g. Ephedrine, Oxymetazoline, Phenylpropanolamine (PPA), Salbutamol
– Tricyclic antidepressants, e.g. Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Pseudoephedrine in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Pseudoephedrine is an over-the-counter medicine which can be purchased without a prescription from any retail outlet in Hong Kong. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, medicine shops, and pharmacies. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk/

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Pseudoephedrine in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.