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Compare Sudafed vs. Sudafed PE Pressure and Pain

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and Mucinex Sinus-Max Severe Congestion and Pain (acetaminophen/guaifenesin/phenylephrine) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve symptoms of nasal and sinus congestion. Sudafed is a decongestant that works by narrowing blood vessels to reduce swelling and congestion. It is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, with dosing varying by age and formulation. On the other hand, Mucinex Sinus-Max is a combination medication that includes acetaminophen for pain relief, guaifenesin as an expectorant to thin mucus, and phenylephrine as a decongestant. Studies show oral phenylephrine is not an effective decongestant. For this reason, Mucinex Sinus-Max may not be the best choice for relieving congestion. Mucinex Sinus-Max is typically taken every 4 hours and is available in both tablet and liquid forms. While Sudafed can cause side effects like anxiety and difficulty sleeping, Mucinex Sinus-Max may cause upset stomach and dizziness. Additionally, Mucinex Sinus-Max contains acetaminophen, which can lead to liver damage if taken in excess, a risk not associated with Sudafed. Both medications should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as selegiline (Zelapar), and have specific age restrictions for use.

  • Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
    Sudafed pe pressure and pain (acetaminophen / phenylephrine)
  • Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
    Sudafed pe pressure and pain (acetaminophen / phenylephrine)

  • Summary of Sudafed vs. Sudafed PE Pressure and Pain

    Summary for Alpha agonist

    Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is a non-drowsy decongestant taken by mouth to treat nasal and sinus congestion from allergies and the common cold. It's available in a short-acting version that's taken once every 4 to 6 hours. It also comes in longer-acting versions that are taken every 12 or 24 hours, depending on the dose. Side effects of Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) include anxiety and headache. This medication might also keep you awake at night if you take it too close to bedtime. Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is an OTC medication, but it's restricted, so you can only purchase it at the pharmacy counter.

    Summary for Analgesic / Decongestant

    Sudafed PE Pressure and Pain is an over-the-counter, brand-name product containing two active ingredients: acetaminophen (an analgesic that relieves pain) and phenylephrine (a decongestant that clears the sinuses). This combination medication is also available as lower-cost generics and under other brand names, such as Tylenol Sinus Plus Headache. In general, it's used to relieve symptoms from allergies and the common cold, such as pain and nasal and sinus congestion. This medication can also lower fevers. The caplets are taken by mouth every 4 hours as needed. Side effects aren't common but can include headache and dizziness.

  • Indications of Sudafed vs. Sudafed PE Pressure and Pain

    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of allergy and common cold symptoms, such as sinus congestion and pressure, nasal congestion (stuffy nose), headache, and minor aches and pains
    •Short-term relief of fever

  • Pros and Cons of Sudafed vs. Sudafed PE Pressure and Pain

    Pros and Const for Alpha agonist
    Pros
    •Works well to treat congestion
    •Available in longer-acting versions that last 12 hours or 24 hours
    •Children's oral liquids can be taken by kids as young as 4 years old
    •Available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Several products have different age cut-offs for use in children, so can be confusing
    •Might make it hard for some people to sleep
    •Can raise blood pressure and heart rate
    •Not recommended during pregnancy
    Pros and Const for Analgesic / Decongestant
    Pros
    •Can treat a wide variety of allergy and common cold symptoms
    •More convenient to take two medications in one pill
    •Available over the counter
    •Available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Might need to take every 4 hours to relieve symptoms
    •More difficult to customize the dose since it's a combination of two medications
    •Risk for liver damage if you take too much

  • Common Side Effects of Sudafed vs. Sudafed PE Pressure and Pain

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sweating
    •Nervousness
    •Excitability
    •Difficulty sleeping
    •Low appetite
    •Difficulty urinating
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dizziness

  • Warnings of Sudafed vs. Sudafed PE Pressure and Pain

    Common Side Effects for
    •Fast heart rate and high blood pressure
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    •Allergic skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Sudafed vs. Sudafed PE Pressure and Pain

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