Nexafed drug: Uses, indications and notes when using

Nexafed is used to temporarily relieve nasal congestion and sinus pain caused by infections such as the common cold, flu, or other respiratory conditions such as allergies, hay fever, or bronchitis. Nexafed's main ingredient is pseudoephedrine, which is a decongestant (sympathomimetic) that narrows blood vessels to reduce swelling and congestion.

Nexafed is indicated for the treatment of:
Nasal congestion Nexafed is contraindicated in the following cases:
Overactive thyroid gland Diabetes Angle-closure glaucoma High blood pressure Uncontrolled high blood pressure Severe coronary artery disease Prostate enlargement Incontinent urinating

If you are using a Nexafed product not prescribed by a doctor for self-treatment, read all directions on the product packaging before taking it. If your doctor has prescribed Nexafed, take it as directed by your doctor.
Take Nexafed by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 to 6 hours, as directed by the product package or by your doctor. Do not take more than 4 doses of Nexafed in a day.
The dose of Nexafed is calculated based on your age, medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take Nexafed more often than directed. Do not take this medicine more than recommended for your age.
If you are taking Nexafed chewable tablets, chew each tablet thoroughly and swallow. If you are using the liquid form of Nexafed, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/cup.
Caffeine may increase your risk of side effects from Nexafed. Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages (tea, coffee, cola), avoid eating large amounts of chocolate, or take over-the-counter products that contain caffeine while using this medication.
If your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment with Nexafed, if they worsen or return, if you have a fever, rash or persistent headache, or if you think you may have a problem serious medical condition, seek immediate medical attention.

While using Nexafed, you may experience nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, dizziness, headache or nervousness. If any of these side effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor right away. Stop taking Nexafed and tell your doctor right away if you experience dizziness, nervousness, or trouble sleeping.
If your doctor has directed you to use Nexafed, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people use this medication without any serious side effects.
If you have any serious side effects of Naxafed, including: Fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, mental changes (such as anxiety, confusion, restlessness), tremors, trouble walking urine, stop taking the medicine and tell your doctor right away.
A very serious allergic reaction to Nexafed is very rare. However, if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to Nexafed, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing, you need immediate medical help.
Below are Nexafed side effects by likelihood.
Common Nexafed side effects include:
Difficulty sleeping Headache Less common Nexafed side effects include:
Agitation Drowsiness Dizziness Muscle tremor Loss of skin color Loss of appetite Nausea Difficulty urinating or pain Anxiety Body weakness Heart palpitations Rare side effects of Nexafed include:
High blood pressure Insufficient blood supply to the large intestine Hallucinations Convulsions Difficulty breathing Vomiting Pustules Excessive excitement Indigestion excessive sweating Heart pounding Feeling anxious This is not a complete list of Nexafed possible side effects. If you notice other Nexafed side effects not listed above, contact your doctor immediately for proper handling.

Before taking Nexafed, tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine and any other allergies you may have. Also tell your doctor if you have had a negative reaction to other sympathomimetic drugs (such as ephedrine, phenylephrine). Nexafed products may contain ineffective ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other problems.
If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Nexafed: Diabetes, certain eye diseases (glaucoma), problems heart problems (such as heart attack, chest pain, heart failure), fast/irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, trouble urinating.
Nexafed can make you dizzy and alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything that requires alertness while using Nexafed, until you can do so safely.
Nexafed liquid, chewable, or tablet/strip dissolving products may contain sugar and/or aspartame. In addition, liquid products may also contain alcohol. Use with caution if you have diabetes, alcoholism, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit or avoid these substances in your diet.
Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are being treated with Nexafed.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Nexafed, especially fast/irregular heartbeat, dizziness, trouble urinating, trouble sleeping, or confusion. Children may be more sensitive to the effects of Nexafed, especially restlessness.
For women during pregnancy, Nexafed should only be used when clearly needed. And you should discuss the risks and benefits of the drug with your doctor before using it.
Pseudoephedrine passes into breast milk, so women who are breastfeeding should discuss the risks and benefits of Nexafed with their doctor before using it.

Drug interactions can change the way Nexafed works or increase your risk of serious side effects. Tell your doctor about all medications you take including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication while using Nexafed, without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with Nexafed include: Stimulants (such as caffeine, dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, herbal products such as ephedra), terbutaline.
Taking an MAO inhibitor with Nexafed can cause serious drug interactions that can even be fatal. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine during treatment and for two weeks before treatment with this medicine.
Pseudoephedrine may decrease the effectiveness of blood pressure medications (such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, guanethidine, methyldopa.

If you or someone else has overdosed on Nexafed and has severe symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately. Nexafed overdose symptoms may include: Slow/shallow breathing, hallucinations, seizures.
If you miss a dose of Nexafed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose of Nexafed at the usual time, do not double the usual dose.

Different brands of Nexafed have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your medicine or ask your pharmacist. Dispose of Nexafed medication appropriately when it has expired or is no longer needed.

Reference source: webmd.com