Taking pseudoephedrine with other medicines and herbal supplements

Pseudoephedrine can be affected by other medicines and can also affect the way other medicines work. This can sometimes increase the chances of you having side effects.

Check with a pharmacist or doctor if you're taking:

• antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• digoxin, a medicine for heart failure
• tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline
• ergot alkaloids, such as ergotamine (for migraine)
• medicines for high blood pressure, such as beta blockers or methyldopa

Do not use pseudoephedrine at the same time as other medicines for a blocked nose, such as xylometazoline and oxymetazoline. This includes nasal sprays or other tablets and capsules for congestion.

Some cough and cold remedies contain pseudoephedrine mixed with painkillers.

If you are taking a cough or cold remedy, check the label before taking any painkillers as it may already contain aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen or codeine. Taking both may cause you to have too much.

Ask a pharmacist if you're not sure.

There's not enough information to say whether complementary medicines, herbal remedies and supplements are safe to take with pseudoephedrine. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.