Sudogest is an over-the-counter that is used to treat stuffy noses. The medicine contains pseudoephedrine. This particular medicine has been used to treat nasal congestions for ages.
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Pseudoephedrine
Sudogest contains pseudoephedrine. That is a decongestant. It is found in many medical preparations in over-the-counter drugs. It is sometimes used alone and has an NSAID, antihistamines, and acetaminophen added to the preparation.
Mechanism of Action
Pseudoephedrine is termed a sympathomimetic. It acts on two receptors:
- Alpha-adrenergic receptor
- Beta-2 adrenergic receptor
It produces vasoconstriction on alpha-adrenergic receptors present in the smooth muscle of the bronchi. It causes relaxation of the smooth muscle of bronchi by binding to the beta-2 adrenergic receptor. These different types of reactions work effortlessly in relieving nasal decongestion.
Alpha-adrenergic Receptors
Alpha-adrenergic receptors are present on the lining of blood vessels, so when pseudoephedrine binds o this receptor, it causes vasoconstriction. This vasoconstriction causes the blood vessels to constrict. Due to this, less fluid leaves the vessels and reaches the sinuses. This will, in turn, decrease the inflammation of the nose and reduce mucus production.
Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptors
When the bronchi get congested, it gets filled with a thick mucus-like substance that makes it difficult to breathe. Pseudoephedrine binds to the beta-2 receptor of the bronchi and causes relaxation of smooth muscles. This will decrease the congestion of the bronchi and ease breathing.
Pharmacokinetics
Pseudoephedrine is readily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The half-life is approximately 5-8 hours. It is excreted in the urine, and a small amount of pseudoephedrine is also through the liver.
Uses of pseudoephedrine
Even though it is a decongestant, it has many other uses as well. Following are the uses of pseudoephedrine:
Amphetamine Production
Pseudoephedrine is a precursor that is used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine and methcathinone. That is why the sale of pseudoephedrine is checked in pharmacies in different states. Due to these restrictions, pharmaceutical firms are now trying to find an alternative for pseudoephedrine.
Treatment of Congested Sinuses
Nasal congestion or congested sinuses happen when the blood vessels of the nose become swollen. There are many reasons this can happen. Cold, flu, and allergies are some of the causes of swollen sinuses.
Pseudoephedrine used in the Treatment of Allergies
Allergies or hay fever happens because of the inflammation of the sinuses, among other reasons. Allergies are exacerbated when pollen season is in full swing. Many people who suffer from allergies start taking pseudoephedrine before the season starts. It is important to note that pseudoephedrine will not treat the underlying cause of allergy but will reprieve from the other symptoms.
Although pseudoephedrine and montelukast have the same efficacy, people still prefer pseudoephedrine as it provides immediate relief from nasal decongestion. A study was done on 58 people to compare montelukast and pseudoephedrine efficacy. It was found that both were equally effective in treating seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Pseudoephedrine used in the Treatment of Cold
It works the same way for colds as it works for allergies. It does not treat the cause of the common cold, but it will relieve the nasal congestion caused by the common cold.
Who Can Take Pseudoephedrine?
Pseudoephedrine can be taken by all adults and children that are over 12 years of age. Sometimes, pseudoephedrine is given to children who are six years old. Still, it depends on the symptoms and the evaluation of your pharmacist. Do not self-medicate.
Furthermore, the following people should let their physician and pharmacist know about their condition before asking for a pseudoephedrine prescription:
- Glaucoma patient
- Hypertensive patient
- Hyperthyroidism patient
- Liver & kidney disease patient
- A patient suffering from enlarge prostate
- Patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- People allergic to pseudoephedrine
- A person who has diabetes
Dosage
Pseudoephedrine is available in 30mg (sudogest) & 60mg tablets in immediate-release form and 120mg & 240mg tablets in extended-release form. It is also available in liquid/syrup form. The liquid dosage is 3mg/ml.
- Children aged 6 to 11 years: Children mostly are given liquid dosage form as one 5ml spoon four times a day or half a 30mg tablet is given instead.
- Adults & Children aged 12 to 17 years: For adults, the preferred dosage is 60mg tablet once a day or two 5ml spoons four times a day.
How to Take Sudogest?
Never take any medication without consulting your general physician or the pharmacist. If the pharmacist is not available, read the instruction written on the label carefully and administer the medicine accordingly.
The medication is taken by mouth. You can take it with or without food intake. Take the dose that the physician prescribes. Do not take more than what is prescribed as it may cause adverse effects or overdosing.
Do not take this medicine if you are taking alcohol or marijuana. This might make you drowsy.
If the condition persists even after taking medicine for one week, consult the physician or your pharmacist.
Side Effects
Following are the side effects of taking pseudoephedrine:
- Stomach Issues
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Itching
- Trouble in breathing
- Rash
- Tremor
- Restlessness
- Myocardial infarction
Pregnancy
It should only be used in pregnancy if the risks are less than the benefits. It may also pass in the breast milk, so consult your doctor before taking this medication during lactation.
Overdose
In case of overdose, contact the poison control center. The symptoms of overdosing may include nausea, sweating, loss of appetite, seizures, and hallucinations.
Summary
Sudogest is available over-the-counter, but many factors dictate that one should consult the physician or the pharmacist before using this medication. Hypertensive patients, diabetic patients, and patients suffering from heart disease should inform the physician about their condition. Some people also have pseudoephedrine allergies, so they should tell the medical practitioner about this.
Pseudoephedrine is not always found over-the-counter as many states regulate their sales, so your pharmacist might give you an alternative decongestant.