How long does Sudafed stay in your system?

How long does Sudafed stay in your system?

The half-life of pseudoephedrine is between 5 and 8 hours, though the more acidic the urine, the lower the half-life. Pseudoephedrine can be illegally used to manufacture methamphetamine, which has become a national epidemic.

Is Sudafed bad for your heart?

Over the years, there have been reports of heart attacks, strokes, disturbed heart rhythms, and other cardiovascular problems linked with use of pseudoephedrine.

What are 3 adverse effects to Sudafed?

Nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, dizziness, headache, or nervousness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor promptly if you have dizziness, nervousness, or trouble sleeping.

Is it OK to take Sudafed every day?

Is it safe to take for a long time? Decongestants should only be used for a short time, usually less than 10 days. If you take them for longer, you’re more likely to get side effects. Only take pseudoephedrine for longer than 10 days if a doctor has said it’s OK.

What happens if you take Sudafed for too long?

Over-the-Counter Nasal Sprays and Oral Decongestants “If you take it too long, it can actually make your congestion worse,” Marciniak says. Taking decongestants containing pseudoephedrine by mouth long term can lead to other problems, including seizures, hallucinations, headaches, and insomnia.

What can I take instead of Sudafed?

Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)

• Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) Prescription or OTC. 82% of people say it’s worth it.
• 4 alternatives.
• Phenylephrine (phenylephrine) Prescription or OTC.
• Flonase (fluticasone) Prescription or OTC.
• Nasacort AQ (triamcinolone) Prescription or OTC.
• Afrin (oxymetazoline) Prescription or OTC.

Is ephedrine controlled?

2.2. Ephedrine products are usually not categorized as controlled substances internationally. To prevent ephedrine products from being illegally transformed into the amphetamine and/or its analogs, these products are usually packaged and supplied in the limited quantities, and cannot be openly displayed in pharmacies.

Can you cut Sudafed in half?

Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules or tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so.

What does Sudafed do to your body?

Pseudoephedrine works by narrowing the blood vessels in your nose, but it also narrows the blood vessels in other parts of your body. This can increase your blood pressure and your heart rate. If you have any heart problems or you’re worried about this, speak to a pharmacist or doctor about a different treatment.