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Frequently Asked Questions

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About SUDAFED®

SUDAFED® products contain pseudoephedrine, which is a decongestant that relieves sinus or nasal congestion. These products are available behind the pharmacy counter.

SUDAFED® PE products contain the active ingredient phenylephrine, which is another oral decongestant, and are available over the counter without a pharmacist intervention.

SUDAFED® and SUDAFED PE® products are safe and effective when used as directed and should not be used after the expiration date on the package. If your product has expired, please contact your local pharmacy to learn about how to properly discard it and obtain a new product.

Always read and follow the entire product label before taking any medicine as it contains important information about any warnings about product usage information including warnings and any potential medicine interaction information. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicines you are taking.

Pseudoephedrine is considered safe and effective when taken as directed. The FDA recognizes it as an effective treatment for congestion caused by allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.

Pseudoephedrine does not cause drowsiness at therapeutic dosage in most people.

In general, yes. However, there are limitations, such as 30-day purchase limits on pseudoephedrine products, so you should confirm eligibility for specific products and check with your FSA/HSA provider for any plan-specific rules.

Our Pills

Some SUDAFED® pills are over-the-counter (OTC) and others are behind the counter because of the active ingredient which determines its accessibility and potential for misuse. SUDAFED PE® (containing phenylephrine) is available OTC on store shelves because phenylephrine is not regulated the same way as pseudoephedrine.

Pseudoephedrine is an active ingredient in nasal decongestant products that relieves sinus or nasal congestion. It works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose that are swollen during the common cold, allergies, or flu. When the blood vessels narrow, the tissue shrinks and allows the normal flow of air and mucus. This results in temporary relief of nasal congestion, sinus congestion, and sinus pressure. Decongestants containing pseudoephedrine are packaged in pill or liquid form and can only be found behind-the-counter at your local pharmacy or drug store.

Phenylephrine is a nasal decongestant that works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose that are expanded during the common cold or allergies. When the blood vessels in the nose and sinuses narrow, the tissue shrinks and allows the normal flow of air and mucus. This results in temporary relief of nasal congestion, sinus congestion, and sinus pressure.

SUDAFED® Behind-The-Counter products can be found behind the counter at your local pharmacy or drug store. Speak with a pharmacist or drug store employee before purchasing the medication. Federal law regulates the sale of products containing pseudoephedrine as an active ingredient by limiting the amount that a person can purchase every month and specifying a minimum age of purchase and requesting proof of government-issued photo identification.

When taken as directed, pseudoephedrine is considered a safe and effective medication.

A caplet is a type of tablet that is oval-shaped and coated to make it easier to swallow, while a tablet is a more general term for a compressed oral medication that can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The word “caplet” is a blend of “capsule” and “tablet”, describing its capsule-like shape.

Our Sprays

No, SUDAFED® OM sprays contain the main active ingredient oxymetazoline while SUDAFED® Non-Medicated Saline Nasal mist contains water, salt, and aloe.

The “OM” in SUDAFED® OM refers to the active ingredient Oxymetazoline, a powerful decongestant used primarily in nasal sprays for the temporary relief of nasal congestion symptoms caused by the common cold or allergies. It works by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages to reduce swelling and allow you to breathe more freely.

Oxymetazoline is primarily available in nasal sprays, drops, or mists. It is the common active ingredient in nasal decongestant medicines and belongs to a class of drugs called sympathomimetics. These drugs work on the blood vessels of your nasal passages. When you apply oxymetazoline into your nasal passages, it gets to work fast, causing these blood vessels to squeeze back to normal and reduce swelling, paving the way for clearer breathing. Oxymetazoline works fast and can provide congestion relief for several hours, allowing you to breathe more freely and comfortably.

SUDAFED® non-medicated spray, which is a saline nasal mist, works by moisturizing and hydrating dry nasal passages, flushing out irritants like pollen and dust, and loosening mucus to clear everyday congestion. Unlike medicated nasal sprays, it doesn’t contain any active ingredients that constrict blood vessels to reduce swelling; instead, its simple formula of water, salt, and aloe gently provides relief by cleansing and moisturizing the nasal passages.

SUDAFED® OM original spray  can be used as follows:

  • Adults and children between the ages of 6-12 years old (with adult supervision) administer 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril not more often than every 10 to 12 hours. Do not exceed 2 doses in any 24-hour period. Children under 6 years of age: ask a doctor.

  • To use: push firmly down on cap and turn counterclockwise.    

  • To spray: squeeze the bottle quickly and firmly. Do not tilt the head backward while spraying. Wipe nozzle clean and secure cap after use.

SUDAFED® OM Sinus Severe No Drip with Cooling Menthol Nasal Spray and SUDAFED® OM Sinus Severe No Drip Nasal Spray Decongestant can be used as follows:

  • Adults and children between the ages of 6-12 years old (with adult supervision) administer 2 or 3 sprays in each nostril not more often than every 10 to 12 hours. Do not exceed 2 doses in any 24-hour period. Children under 6 years of age: ask a doctor.

  • To use: push firmly down on cap and turn counterclockwise.    

  • To spray: squeeze the bottle quickly and firmly. Do not tilt the head backward while spraying. Wipe nozzle clean and secure cap after use.

Always read and follow the entire product label before taking any medicine as it contains important information about any warnings about product usage information including warnings and any potential medicine interaction information. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicines you are taking.

SUDAFED®OM Spray can be used every 10 to 12 hours but do not exceed 2 doses in any 24-hour period. Do not use for more than 3 days. Use only as directed. Frequent or prolonged use may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen.

Children Solutions

Some SUDAFED® products are safe for children over a certain age, but others are not. The safety of the medication depends on the child’s age, overall health, and the specific Sudafed product being used. Read full labeling information and use products only as directed. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before administering if you have any questions.

General Congestion

A nasal decongestant is a medication that helps relieve nasal congestion such as a stuffy or runny nose. It works by constricting the blood vessels in the nasal passages, which reduces swelling and inflammation. Nasal decongestants are available in various forms, including nasal sprays, caplets, tablets, or liquid.

Sinus or nasal congestion is primarily caused by inflammation and swelling of the nasal tissues and sinuses, often due to infections like the common cold or flu, and allergies. Other causes include irritants such as smoke and pollutants, structural problems like a deviated septum, and conditions like sinusitis where fluid buildup allows germs to grow.

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