Sudafed Decongestant Liquid 100ml (Pseudoephedrine)

Description

Sudafed Decongestant Liquid is a raspberry-flavour oral syrup containing pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30mg per 5ml. It relieves a blocked nose, blocked sinuses and catarrh associated with colds. For adults and children aged 6 and over, sold by Ways Pharmacy (UK) as a pharmacy medicine.

This is a pharmacy (P) medicine sold under the supervision of our GPhC-registered pharmacist. You may be asked a few short questions before your order is supplied.

Key facts

Active ingredient	Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30mg per 5ml
Format	Oral liquid (syrup), 100ml amber bottle with double-ended 2.5ml/5ml spoon
Use	Relief of nasal congestion, sinus congestion and catarrh associated with colds
Age	Adults and children 6 years and over; not for children under 6
Dose 12+	Two 5ml spoonfuls (10ml) every 4–6 hours, up to 4 times a day
Dose 6–12 years	One 5ml spoonful every 4–6 hours, up to 4 times a day
Maximum	4 doses in 24 hours; at least 4 hours between doses
Contains	Sucrose 3.5g per 5ml; colour Ponceau 4R (E124); essentially sodium-free
Pack	100ml

Who it is for

Adults and children from 6 years with a blocked nose or sinuses during a cold.
People who want an oral decongestant rather than a nasal spray.
Families who need a liquid with a separate children's dose (6–12 years).

Not suitable for: Children under 6. Anyone with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, glaucoma, phaeochromocytoma, or severe acute or chronic kidney disease. Do not take with beta-blockers, MAOI or RIMA antidepressants (or within 14 days of stopping them), stimulants, appetite suppressants, asthma or congestion medicines of the sympathomimetic type, or any other cough and cold medicine. Ask a pharmacist first if you have kidney or severe liver problems, blocked arteries, a thyroid disorder, prostate or urinary problems, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, digoxin, ergot migraine medicines or moclobemide.

How to use

Read the label and Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) before use.
Shake the bottle thoroughly. Use the double-ended spoon supplied and do not overfill it.
Adults and children 12 and over: two 5ml spoonfuls every 4–6 hours, up to 4 times a day.
Children 6–12 years: one 5ml spoonful every 4–6 hours, up to 4 times a day.
Leave at least 4 hours between doses. Do not take more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
Do not give to a child under 12 for more than 5 days without a doctor's advice. If symptoms persist or get worse, stop and talk to your doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sudafed Decongestant Liquid drowsy?

Pseudoephedrine is not a sedating antihistamine, but the leaflet lists drowsiness, difficulty sleeping, nervousness and dizziness among possible side effects. See how it affects you before driving.

How much can I take in a day?

Adults and children 12+: 10ml per dose, up to 4 doses (40ml) in 24 hours. Children 6–12: 5ml per dose, up to 4 doses in 24 hours. Leave at least 4 hours between doses.

How long can I use it for?

Use it for the shortest time needed. Children under 12 should not take it for more than 5 days without a doctor's advice. If symptoms persist or worsen at any age, stop and see your doctor.

Why is there a limit on how many packs I can buy?

Pseudoephedrine is a pharmacy medicine with legal sales limits in the UK: one pack per customer per transaction, under a pharmacist's supervision. This 100ml bottle contains 600mg of pseudoephedrine.

Can I take it with paracetamol or ibuprofen?

Plain paracetamol or ibuprofen is generally fine, but do not combine it with any other cold and flu product that already contains a decongestant. Ask the pharmacist to check.

Can I take it if I have high blood pressure?

No. Pseudoephedrine raises blood pressure and heart rate and must not be used if you have high blood pressure or heart disease, or take beta-blockers.

Safety and storage

Stop taking and seek medical help at once if you get a sudden severe headache, fever with pustular rash, sudden tummy pain or rectal bleeding, chest pain, or loss of vision (see PIL).
Contains 3.5g sucrose per 5ml; take this into account if you have diabetes or a sugar intolerance.
Store below 25°C. Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed.
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Read the PIL. Report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

This is a medicine. Always read the label and the Patient Information Leaflet before use. If symptoms persist, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

Sudafed Decongestant Liquid Pseudoephedrine 30mg/5ml – 100ml