Pseudoephedrine and triprolidine (patient information)

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Why is this medication prescribed

The combination of pseudoephedrine (a decongestant) and triprolidine (an antihistamine) relieves itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny or stuffy nose caused by hay fever, allergies, and the common cold.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used

The combination of pseudoephedrine and triprolidine comes in capsules, tablets, extended-release (long-acting) capsules, and liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 4-6 hours or every 12 hours (extended-release capsules) as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take pseudoephedrine and triprolidine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Do not open extended-release capsules; swallow them whole.

Do not give this medication to children less than 12 years of age unless a doctor directs you to do so.

What special precautions should I follow

Before taking pseudoephedrine and triprolidine:

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to pseudoephedrine, triprolidine, or any other drugs.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially medications for asthma, high blood pressure, or seizures; muscle relaxants; narcotics (pain medications); sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins. Do not take this drug if you have taken an MAO inhibitor [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)] in the last 2 weeks.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease, high blood pressure, difficulty urinating (due to an enlarged prostate gland), glaucoma, asthma, an overactive thyroid gland, ulcers, seizures, or diabetes.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking pseudoephedrine and triprolidine, call your doctor.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking pseudoephedrine and triprolidine.
  • you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
  • remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What special dietary instructions should I follow

Pseudoephedrine and triprolidine may cause an upset stomach. Take pseudoephedrine and triprolidine with food or milk.

What should I do if I forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects

Mild side effects

Pseudoephedrine and triprolidine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • dry mouth, nose, and throat
  • upset stomach
  • difficulty sleeping
  • chest congestion
  • headache
  • diarrhea
  • drowsiness

Severe side effects

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • muscle weakness
  • vision problems
  • skin rash
  • excitement
  • difficulty breathing
  • fast heartbeat
  • tremors
  • difficult or painful urination
  • hallucinations

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

  • Actifed®
  • Allerfrim®
  • Triafed®
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