1. Sudafed Over the counter cold medicine
By: Kassidy Alise, Amanda Riley

2. Medical Name: Pseudoephedrine Drug Classification: Alpha Adrenergic Agonist

3. METHOD OF ADMINSTRATION:
This medication is taken orally.
This medication should be taken with a full glass of water.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended- release tablet. Swallow it whole. Splitting the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. You may need to shake the oral suspension well just before you measure a dose.
Measure the liquid with a measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

4. USES: Nasal congestion Temporary relief of sinus pressure
It works by reducing swelling and constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages, allowing you to breathe more easily

5. Side Effects SHORT TERM EFFECTS: Irritation of nose and throat
Dry mouth
Restlessness
Trouble sleeping
Nausea or vomiting
Headache
Fast or pounding heartbeat

6. SIDE EFFECTS
LONG TERM EFFECTS:
Headache
Insomnia
Paleness

7. COMPLICATIONS COULD LEAD TO: Seizures Dysrhythmia’s
Cardiovascular collapse
Dyspnea

8. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO ABUSE THIS DRUG
Teenagers and those who participate in other illegal drug use.
Drug addicts use the chemicals in Sudafed to make methamphetamine.
SYMPTOMS OF OVERDOSE:
Convulsions
Increased breathing
Hallucinations
Increase in blood pressure
Shortness of breath
Unusual nervousness, restlessness, or excitement
EMERGENCY TREATMENT OF OVERDOSE:
Contact your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.

9. DO NOT USE SUDAFED IF…. Your child is younger than 4 years old
If you are allergic to pseudoephedrine or to other decongestants
If you are taking diet pills, stimulants, or ADHD medications

10. YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS DRUG IF YOU ARE ALSO TAKING:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s)
Antihypertensive drugs
Antidepressants
Beta blockers
Caffeine pills
ADHD medicine
And if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

11. REFERENCES
Sudafed. Drugs.com (2015). Retrieved from
Sudafed Side Effects Center. Rxlist.com (2015). Retrieved from
What is Pseudoephedrine Addiction?. Lighthouse Recovery Institute (2014). Retrieved from
Skidmore-Roth, L. (2015). Mosby's 2015 Nursing Drug Reference. 28th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc.