Sudafed PE Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Sudafed PE Tablet contains phenylephrine and belongs to the decongestant class of medicines. It is used to relieve nasal and sinus congestion caused by the common cold, hay fever, or other allergies. It works by narrowing swollen blood vessels in the nose, making it easier to breathe. This medicine is intended for short-term use until symptoms clear up.

What is Sudafed PE Tablet

Sudafed PE is a decongestant medicine that shrinks swollen blood vessels in the nose. This helps relieve a stuffy, blocked-up nose.

Sudafed PE Tablet uses

• Treats stuffy nose and sinus congestion caused by the common cold, hay fever, or other allergies
• Temporarily relieves nasal congestion, headache, minor aches and pains, cough, and sore throat due to the common cold
• Helps loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions
• Temporarily reduces fever

Benefits of Sudafed PE Tablet

• Temporarily relieves nasal congestion
• Helps reduce sinus pressure
• Shrinks swollen nasal blood vessels
• Can improve breathing through a stuffy nose

How Sudafed PE Tablet works

The medicine works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, which reduces swelling and congestion and makes it easier to breathe.

Sudafed PE Tablet dosage

Use exactly as directed on the label or as your doctor prescribes. This medicine is only meant for short-term use until your symptoms clear up. Always follow the directions on the label when giving cold medicine to a child. For liquid children's versions, measure carefully using the dosing syringe provided, not a kitchen spoon.

If you miss a dose, skip it if it is almost time for your next one; do not take two doses at once. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you develop a fever, rash, or headaches. Tell your surgeon if you are using this medicine before any surgery. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet
• Caplet
• Liquid (Children's Sudafed PE Nasal Decongestant)

Side effects of Sudafed PE Tablet

Common

• Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling restless or excited (especially in children)

Serious

• Signs of allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Severe dizziness or nervousness
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Signs of increased blood pressure: severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in neck or ears

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine if you have taken a certain type of antidepressant medicine (called an MAO inhibitor) in the past 14 days, as this can cause a dangerous interaction.
• Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 4 years old. Misusing cough and cold medicines in very young children can be fatal.
• Check with a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, a thyroid disorder, an enlarged prostate, or urination problems.
• Many combination cough and cold products also contain phenylephrine or similar decongestants, so check labels carefully to avoid taking too much.
• Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breast-feeding. Use cautiously with significant kidney disease. 
• No routine adjustment is usually specified for liver function, but severe liver disease should be discussed with a clinician. 
• No major direct interaction with alcohol is expected, though alcohol can worsen dizziness. This medicine usually does not impair driving, but avoid driving if dizziness occurs.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
• Do not freeze

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using the medicine and call your doctor right away if you notice a fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness or nervousness, trouble sleeping, or signs of high blood pressure such as a severe headache, blurred vision, or pounding feeling in the neck or ears.
• If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center right away.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not get better after 7 days, or if you develop a fever, rash, or headaches.

Alternatives

• Saline nasal spray
• Oxymetazoline nasal spray for short-term use
• Pseudoephedrine, where appropriate and legally available