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Genaphed description. Pseudoephedrine (soo-doe-e-FED-rin) is used to relieve nasal or sinus congestion caused by the common cold, sinusitis, and hay fever and other respiratory allergies. It is also used to relieve ear congestion caused by ear inflammation or infection. Some of these preparations are available only with your doctor's prescription. Others are available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper dose of pseudoephedrine for your medical condition.
Why prescribed Genaphed. Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve nasal discomfort caused by colds, allergies, and hay fever. It is also used to relieve sinus congestion and pressure. Pseudoephedrine is in a class of medications called sympathomimetic agents that are used as nasal decongestants. It works by causing narrowing of the blood vessels of swollen nasal mucous membranes to reduce nasal congestion and allow drainage of sinus passages. How used Genaphed. Pseudoephedrine comes as a regular tablet, a chewable tablet, a 12-hour extended-release (long-acting) tablet, a 24-hour extended-release tablet, a solution (liquid), and a concentrated solution (drops). The regular tablets, chewable tablets, liquid, or drops usually are taken every 4–6 hours, but you should not take more than 4 doses in a 24-hour period. The 12-hour extended-release tablets usually are taken every 12 hours, and you should not take more than 2 doses in a 24-hour period. The 24-hour extended-release tablets usually are taken once a day, and you should not take more than one dose in a 24-hour period. To help prevent trouble sleeping, take the last dose of the day several hours before bedtime. Follow the directions on the package label or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take pseudoephedrine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms should improve during your treatment. If your symptoms do not get better within 7 days or if you have a fever, stop taking pseudoephedrine and call your doctor. Do not break, crush, or chew extended-release tablets; swallow them whole. Do not give extended-release tablets to children younger than 12 years of age. Some brand names: - Drixoral Nasal Decongestant - Efidac/24 - Eltor 120 - Genaphed - Maxenal - Myfedrine - PediaCare Infants' Oral Decongestant Drops - Pseudo 60's - Pseudoephedrine - Robidrine - Sudafed |