Nexafed

Name: Nexafed

Nexafed Overview

Nexafed is a brand name medication included in a group of medications called Sympathomimetics. For more information about Nexafed see its generic Pseudoephedrine

What is the most important information I should know about Nexafed (pseudoephedrine)?

Do not use pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include hallucinations, slow heartbeats, or seizure (convulsions).

Uses of Nexafed

  • It is used to treat nose stuffiness.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Nexafed?

  • If you have an allergy to pseudoephedrine or any other part of Nexafed (pseudoephedrine capsules and tablets).
  • If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
  • If you have taken certain drugs used for low mood (depression) like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine or drugs used for Parkinson's disease like selegiline or rasagiline in the last 14 days. Taking this medicine within 14 days of those drugs can cause very bad high blood pressure.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Nexafed.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

How do I store and/or throw out Nexafed?

  • Store at room temperature.
  • Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Check with your pharmacist about how to throw out unused drugs.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

  • If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
  • Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
  • Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
  • Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Nexafed (pseudoephedrine capsules and tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about Nexafed. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using Nexafed.

Review Date: October 4, 2017

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to pseudoephedrine: compounding powder, oral liquid, oral suspension extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet extended release

General

The most commonly reported adverse effects have included cardiovascular and (e.g. elevated blood pressure, tachycardia, or arrhythmias), CNS stimulation (e.g. restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and rarely hallucinations), skin rashes, and urinary retention.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, palpitations, arrhythmia, hypertension, impaired circulation to the extremities[Ref]

Nervous system

Frequency not reported: Headache, tremor

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reactions including cross-sensitivity with other sympathomimetic[Ref]

Psychiatric

Rare (less than 0.1%): Hallucinations
Frequency not reported: Restlessness, insomnia, sleep disturbances, anxiety, excitability[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Urinary retention, especially in men with prostatic enlargement

Ocular

Frequency not reported: Angle-closure glaucoma

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Skin rashes, fixed drug eruption in the form of erythematous nodular patches[Ref]

Other

Post marketing reports: False-positive amphetamine immunoassay[Ref]

False-positives can occur far below the published threshold indicating that cross-reactivity in human specimens is sometimes greater than the limits reported.[Ref]

Some side effects of Nexafed may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

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