Sudafed plus

How does it work?

Sudafed plus tablets contain two active ingredients, pseudoephedrine and triprolidine.

Pseudoephedrine is a type of medicine called a decongestant. It 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 nasal allergies, colds and flu.

Triprolidine is a type of medicine called a sedating antihistamine. It works by preventing the actions of histamine.

Histamine is a substance produced by the body as part of its defence mechanisms. It is stored in cells called mast cells, in almost all tissues of the body. When the body reacts to a foreign substance (known as an allergen, eg flower pollen, pet fur), the mast cells are stimulated by the allergen and release their stores of histamine.

The released histamine binds to its receptors (H1 receptors), causing a chain reaction that results in allergic symptoms. It causes an increase in blood flow to the area of the allergy, and the release of other chemicals that add to the allergic response. All this results in the symptoms of an allergic reaction. In nasal allergies such as hayfever, this causes inflammation of the nose, eyes and airways and results in itchy watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion.

Triprolidine works by blocking histamine H1 receptors. This prevents the actions of histamine, which reduces symptoms of the allergy such as mucus production in the nose.

Triprolidine is called a sedating antihistamine because it enters the brain in significant quantities and causes drowsiness.

The combination of antihistamine and decongestant in Sudafed plus is used to relieve the symptoms of nasal allergies such as hayfever. For adults and children over 12 years of age, one tablet should be taken every four to six hours as necessary, up to a maximum of 4 tablets in 24 hours.

What is it used for?

Relieving the symptoms of nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis) such as hayfever.

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.

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

Rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactose deficiency or glucose-galactose malaborption (Sudafed plus tablets contain lactose).

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 small amounts. The effect on a nursing baby is not known. As with all medicines, you should seek medical advice from your doctor before taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Drowsiness

Disturbed sleep

Increased heart rate

Dry mouth, nose or throat

Anxiety

Restlessness

Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)

Skin rash

Hallucinations

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved