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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Safe To Take Sudafed For Nose Congestion?

Hi I've just started a course of erythromycin for a chest infection. My nose is also congested and I was taking Sudafed tablets. Is it safe to continue taking Sudafed. Your advise would be appreciated. I'm 59 year old male. I also take blood pressure tablets but have stopped taking statins on the advise of my doctor and chemist.
Fri, 19 Jun 2015
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

Sudafed is a decongestant used for treating nasal and sinus congestion, or congestion of the eustachian tubes.This drug not only affect the head but it tightens blood vessels throughout the body, so it can increase the blood pressure.
Also it can cause arrhythmia in predisposed patients.Rarely has been reported coronary artery spasm and chest pain.

Avoid taking Sudafed if you take diet pills, caffeine, or other stimulants and do not use it if you have used MAO inhibitor,phenelzine, isocarboxazid (Marplan), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Beta blocker drugs and antidepressant such as amitriptyline will affect Sudafed.

You can use antihistamines such as Benadryl, Zyrtec that are safe for the heart and can help with the stuffy nose.

If you want to avoid medications, you can try nasal strips,a steamy shower and drinking plenty of hot fluids.

Hope this helps,
Kind regards,
Dr.Mersi
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Is It Safe To Take Sudafed For Nose Congestion?

Hello, Sudafed is a decongestant used for treating nasal and sinus congestion, or congestion of the eustachian tubes.This drug not only affect the head but it tightens blood vessels throughout the body, so it can increase the blood pressure. Also it can cause arrhythmia in predisposed patients.Rarely has been reported coronary artery spasm and chest pain. Avoid taking Sudafed if you take diet pills, caffeine, or other stimulants and do not use it if you have used MAO inhibitor,phenelzine, isocarboxazid (Marplan), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Beta blocker drugs and antidepressant such as amitriptyline will affect Sudafed. You can use antihistamines such as Benadryl, Zyrtec that are safe for the heart and can help with the stuffy nose. If you want to avoid medications, you can try nasal strips,a steamy shower and drinking plenty of hot fluids. Hope this helps, Kind regards, Dr.Mersi