Sudafed PE
® (
phenylephrine hydrochloride) is a non-prescription decongestant medication. The drug is used to relieve:
Sudafed PE was formulated in response to regulations that require original Sudafed (
pseudoephedrine) products to be kept "behind the counter" to avoid the misuse of the medication to make
methamphetamine. These regulations do not apply to Sudafed PE.
It should be noted that there are several different Sudafed PE medications, many of which contain additional active ingredients other than phenylephrine. This article focuses primarily on phenylephrine, not the other active ingredients in such products.
Who Makes This Medication?
Brand-name Sudafed PE is made by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, while other versions of phenylephrine (including other brand-name medications or generic medications) are made by various other manufacturers.
How Does Sudafed PE Work?
Sudafed PE is part of a class of drugs called decongestants. Specifically, it works by stimulating certain receptors known as alpha-adrenergic receptors. In the lining of the nose and sinuses, this action causes the blood vessels to constrict, allowing less fluid to leave the blood vessels and decreasing inflammation. This helps to relieve nasal and sinus congestion.
Some general considerations include the following:
- This medication comes in tablet or liquid form. It is taken by mouth, usually every four hours.
- It does not matter if you take Sudafed PE with food or on an empty stomach. If the medication seems to bother your stomach, try taking it with a little food.
- Because there are several different Sudafed PE products available, make sure to follow the instructions for your particular product.
- Some people find that Sudafed PE interferes with their ability to fall asleep. If you experience this problem, try taking your last dose earlier in the day.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed.
The recommended dose of Sudafed PE will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The particular product
- Your age
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Sudafed PE
As with any medicine, Sudafed PE can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience bothersome side effects. Some people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Possible side effects of Sudafed PE include, but are not limited to:
(Click Sudafed PE Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Sudafed PE?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
An overdose with Sudafed PE can cause serious problems. If you happen to overdose on this medication, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Sudafed PE Be Stored?
Sudafed PE should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
For people who take this medication on a regular schedule, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Sudafed PE.
Brand-name Sudafed PE comes in the following forms:
- Sudafed PE Nasal Decongestant -- 10 mg tablets
- Children's Sudafed PE Nasal Decongestant Liquid (raspberry flavored) -- 2.5 mg per teaspoonful (per 5 mL).
Sudafed PE also comes in combination with other active ingredients in various other products (such as Sudafed PE Sinus
Headache caplets) used for various purposes.
Generic Availability of Sudafed PE
