HOW A DECONGESTANT WORKS ON SINUS PRESSURE AND CONGESTION
All products from the makers of SUDAFED® contain a nasal decongestant, either pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. These medicines act on the nasal passages to narrow blood vessels that are causing nasal congestion. When the blood vessels in the nose and sinus region narrow, tissue shrinks to allow the normal flow of air and mucus.
Decongestants act on the nasal passages to narrow blood vessels in the nose and sinus region that cause congestion. Tissue shrinks to allow the normal flow of air and mucus.
PSEUDOEPHEDRINE
This nasal decongestant is found in the original formula of SUDAFED®, now found at the pharmacy or service counter. To better insure that medications containing pseudoephedrine are not used to illegally make methamphetamine, all products containing this ingredient are federally regulated. For more information, see Pseudoephedrine regulations.
PHENYLEPHRINE (PE)
This nasal decongestant is found in SUDAFED PE® products and can be found in the cold and allergy aisle.
OTHER ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
- Acetaminophen – Analgesic (pain-reliever): helps to relieve pain and headaches, and reduce fever
- Dextromethorphan – Antitussive (cough suppressant): relieves coughs caused by minor throat and bronchial irritation
- Guaifenesin – Expectorant: helps loosen mucus and thins bronchial secretions to rid the bronchial passageways and make coughs more productive
- Naproxen sodium – Analgesic (pain-reliever): helps to relieve pain and headaches, and reduce fever
PLEASE VIEW THE DOSAGE INFORMATION FOR ALL OF THE MEDICINES ON THIS PAGE.
USING PSEUDOEPHEDRINE RESPONSIBLY
WHY PSEUDOEPHEDRINE IS REGULATED
Pseudoephedrine, an active ingredient in some cold, allergy, and sinus products, can be chemically processed into methamphetamine (commonly known as meth). The illegal use of meth has increased in recent years, prompting Congress to pass the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2006 (CEMA). The objective of the law is to eliminate the use of pseudoephedrine in the illegal production of meth. By law, products containing pseudoephedrine must now be sold behind the pharmacy counter and through online retailers who must meet certain requirements.
Note that products containing pseudoephedrine remain available without a prescription in most states.
SUDAFED® PRODUCTS CONTAINING PSEUDOEPHEDRINE