Contac (pseudoephedrine)

Pseudoephedrine works by acting on alpha receptors that are found in the walls of blood vessels in the linings of the nasal passages and sinuses. It causes these blood vessels to contract and narrow, thereby decreasing blood flow into the linings of the nose and sinuses. This reduces the feeling of congestion and also reduces the production of mucus.

Pseudoephedrine can be used to relieve a blocked nose and sinus congestion associated with conditions such as allergies, colds and flu.

Contac 12 hour capsules contain prolonged release granules of pseudoephedrine. These are designed to release the pseudoephedrine slowly, so that one capsule relieves symptoms for 12 hours. They are suitable for adults and adolescents over 12 years of age. One capsule should be taken in the morning and another at bedtime, as necessary. The capsules should be swallowed whole and not broken, chewed or crushed, as this would damage the prolonged release action.

What is it used for?

- Relief of nasal and sinus congestion associated with colds, flu, sinusitis and nasal allergies.

Warning!

- Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medicine.
- If symptoms persist despite treatment, seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Use with caution in

- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Overactive thyroid gland
- Enlarged prostate gland
- Diabetes
- Raised pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure), eg glaucoma.

Not to be used in

- Children under 12 years of age
- Very high blood pressure
- Severe coronary heart disease
- People who have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)antidepressant (eg phenelzine, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine or moclobemide) in the last 14 days.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It should not be used by pregnant women unless your doctor thinks the potential benefits outweigh any possible risks to the developing baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine passes into breast milk in amounts that are probably too small to be harmful to a nursing infant. However, as with all medicines, you should seek medical advice from your doctor before taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Label warnings

- This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

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