Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is a medication used to treat the physical manifestations of a sinus infection, common cold, hay fever and other respiratory allergies. Drugs.com indicates that Sudafed can also be used to treat an ear infection. Sudafed is a nasal decongestant medication that constricts the blood vessels in your nose. It is an over-the-counter medication available as a tablet or liquid. Take as the package insert instructs.
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, Sudafed typically causes restlessness, a headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness and a headache. Repetitive vomiting can lead to dehydration and reduced amounts of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia). Manifestations of dehydration include decreased urination, dry mucus membranes of your mouth and dry skin. Infrequent urination increases the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in your blood. BUN is a substance typically produced in your liver and filtered via your kidneys. However, BUN builds up when you do not urinate as frequently as you should. Drink 7 to 10 glasses of water every day to replace the bodily fluid you lose through vomiting. Lowered potassium levels can cause constipation, muscle pain and cramping. Simply adding raisins, bananas and apricots to your diet can increase your potassium levels. Discontinue Sudafed and tell your doctor if Sudafed's common manifestations do not subside within four to five days.
Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com indicates that Sudafed's less common but more serious side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, a pounding heartbeat (palpitations), a fast heartbeat (tachycardia) and increased sweating (hyperhidrosis). Changes in your heartbeat change the amount of blood that reaches your body. Dizziness and lightheadedness occur when your heart does not send enough blood to your brain. Sudafed can also cause paleness, weakness and tremors.
Taking more Sudafed than instructed can lead to convulsions, shortness of breath, hallucinations and a slow heartbeat (bradycardia). Convulsions occur when your brain contains disorganized electrical activity. Convulsions that last for more than 30 minutes can lead to brain damage and in unfortunate instances, death. Hallucinations refer to a psychiatric symptom in which you hear and see things that aren't part of reality. A slow heartbeat can lead to low blood pressure (hypotension) and fainting (syncope).This condition can be potentially fatal if left untreated. Call your physician when Sudafed causes these serious effects.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Sudafed if you are allergic to pseudoephedrine or any other decongestant medications. An allergic response to Sudafed includes trouble breathing and closing up of your throat. Drugs.com recommends you tell your doctor if you take such drugs as rasagaline, selegiline, iproniazid or linezolid. Sudafed may interact with these medications and exacerbate the aforementioned side effects.
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