Sudafed Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide
Key takeaways:
Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is a decongestant that can help relieve nasal congestion. It’s generally safe for most adults and children ages 4 years and older to take at recommended doses.
A common adult Sudafed dosage is 2 tablets (60 mg) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours, as needed. Adults with certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, should talk to their healthcare provider before taking Sudafed.
Children’s Sudafed dosages are based on their age, but can range from 15 mg to 30 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Don’t give this medication to children under 4 years old.
Sudafed is available as a brand-name medication. But you can also find it as a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help make your medication more affordable.
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Table of contents
Are you feeling the pain and pressure that comes with having a stuffy nose? If so, you may be considering taking Sudafed (pseudoephedrine). It’s a popular choice for relieving nasal congestion. It works by tightening the blood vessels around your nose and sinuses, which helps lessen congestion and sinus pressure.
Sudafed is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, but you won’t find it on regular pharmacy shelves. It’s only available to purchase behind the pharmacy counter with a valid form of identification. There are also limits on how much you can buy each month without a prescription.
With versions available for both adults and children, it’s important to know how much Sudafed is safe to take. Below, we’ll discuss recommended Sudafed dosages, as well as certain people who should steer clear of taking it.
What’s the typical Sudafed dosage for adults?
Adult’s Sudafed comes as immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) tablets that are taken by mouth. All Sudafed products contain varying amounts of pseudoephedrine. There’s also combination versions available that include a pain reliever. Each version of Sudafed has slightly different instructions, so read your package carefully.
Note: Don’t confuse Sudafed with Sudafed PE (phenylephrine). Sudafed PE has a different medication in it than Sudafed. It also has different dosages.
Sudafed Sinus Congestion
Each tablet of Sudafed Sinus Congestion contains 30 mg of pseudoephedrine. These are IR tablets.
The adult Sudafed Sinus Congestion dosage is 2 tablets (60 mg) every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Don’t take more than 8 tablets (240 mg) in 24 hours.
Sudafed Sinus Congestion 12 Hour
Each tablet of Sudafed Sinus Congestion 12 Hour contains 120 mg of pseudoephedrine. These are ER tablets designed to release medication slowly over a 12-hour period.
The adult Sudafed Sinus Congestion 12 Hour dosage is 1 tablet (120 mg) every 12 hours as needed. Don’t chew, crush, or cut the tablets. Don’t take more than 2 tablets (240 mg) in 24 hours.
Sudafed Sinus Congestion 24 Hour
Each tablet of Sudafed Sinus Congestion 24 Hour contains 240 mg of pseudoephedrine. These are longer-lasting ER tablets designed to release medication slowly over 24 hours.
The adult Sudafed Sinus Congestion 24 Hour dosage is 1 tablet (240 mg) every 24 hours as needed. Don’t chew, crush, or cut the tablets. Don’t take more than 1 tablet in 24 hours.
Sudafed Sinus 12 Hour Pressure Plus Pain
Each tablet of Sudafed Sinus 12 Hour Pressure + Pain contains 120 mg of pseudoephedrine and 220 mg of naproxen (a pain reliever). These are ER tablets designed to release medication slowly over 12 hours.
The adult Sudafed Sinus 12 Hour Pressure + Pain dosage is 1 tablet every 12 hours as needed with a full glass of water. Don’t chew, crush, or cut the tablets. Don’t take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours.
What’s the typical Sudafed dosage for children?
Sudafed is safe to give to most children ages 4 years and older. Adolescents ages 12 years and older can follow the adult dosages as detailed above. Sudafed dosages for children younger than 12 varies based on age.
Note: Sudafed ER products shouldn’t be given to children under 12 years old.
Children’s Sudafed liquid
Sudafed makes a liquid version designed with kids in mind. This product contains 15 mg of pseudoephedrine in every 5 mL of liquid.
Children’s Sudafed dosages are as follows:
Children ages 6 to 11 years old: Give 10 mL (30 mg) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Don’t give more than 40 mL (120 mg) in 24 hours.
Children ages 4 and 5 years old: Give 5 mL (15 mg) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Don’t give more than 20 mL (60 mg) in 24 hours.
Children under 4 years old: Don’t give it to this age group.
Always use the dispensing device that comes from the manufacturer to measure liquid medication. This ensures your child is getting the correct amount of medication. If you don’t have the dosing device, your pharmacist can provide you with one.
Sudafed Sinus Congestion
These are the same Sudafed IR tablets that adults can take. Each tablet contains 30 mg of pseudoephedrine.
Children’s Sudafed Sinus Congestion dosages are as follows:
Children ages 6 to 11 years old: Give 1 tablet (30 mg) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Don’t give more than 4 tablets (120 mg) in 24 hours.
Children under 6 years old: Don’t give it to this age group.
Keep in mind that it can be difficult for kids to swallow tablets. So even though Sudafed tablets have children’s dosages, they may not be the best choice for your child.
Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?
Sudafed may not be safe for certain groups of people to take. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking Sudafed if you have certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart disease. You should also discuss taking this medication if you’re pregnant.
People with high blood pressure
People with high blood pressure should avoid taking Sudafed. As mentioned earlier, Sudafed works by tightening the blood vessels around the nose and sinuses. But it can also tighten other blood vessels throughout the body. This can raise blood pressure and heart rate.
Discuss safer congestion relief options with your healthcare provider, even if your blood pressure is controlled with medication. A sinus rinse kit, like a Neti pot, is one potential alternative they may suggest.
People with heart disease
Since Sudafed can raise your blood pressure and heart rate, it can worsen heart disease. If you have heart disease, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any OTC cold medications, especially ones that contain a decongestant or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like naproxen. They can help you pick a product that’s safe for your heart.
Pregnant women
It’s unclear whether taking Sudafed during pregnancy — especially early pregnancy — is safe. Some studies show increased risks, while others show no greater risks. Experts recommend avoiding medications like Sudafed during the first trimester of pregnancy. But you should still check with your healthcare provider before taking it in the second or third trimesters of pregnancy.
What happens if you miss a dose of Sudafed?
Sudafed is usually taken as needed. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. Just remember not to take doses too close together. Follow the recommended dosages and maximum daily limits on the packaging. This helps limit side effects like headache and nervousness.
What should you do if you take too much Sudafed?
Taking too much Sudafed raises your risk of side effects. In rare cases, it can become dangerous or even life-threatening. That’s why it’s important to follow recommended dosages.
Possible symptoms of a Sudafed overdose include:
Dizziness
Anxiety
Trouble sleeping
Difficulty focusing
Tremors
Euphoria (feeling “high”)
Blurry vision
A racing heart
Palpitations
If you believe you or someone you know has taken too much Sudafed or are experiencing excessive side effects, call your healthcare provider or contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. If you’re having trouble breathing, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat, call 911 or seek emergency care right away.
How to save on Sudafed
There are many ways to save on Sudafed, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. By having your healthcare provider write a prescription for OTC Sudafed, GoodRx can help you save over 30% off the average retail price. Sudafed's price at certain pharmacies is as low as $4.20 with a free GoodRx discount.
The bottom line
Sudafed is a popular OTC nasal decongestant. It’s available in both adult and child formulations. A common adult Sudafed dosage is 60 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. But dosages vary, depending on if you’re taking IR or ER tablets. Children’s Sudafed dosages are based on a child’s age.
Talk to your healthcare provider about taking Sudafed first if you’re pregnant or have certain heart conditions. If you experience an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or have difficulty breathing after taking a dose, contact emergency services immediately.
Why trust our experts?
References
American Heart Association News. (2019). Taking medicine for a cold? Be mindful of your heart.
DailyMed. (2017). Childrens sudafed nasal decongestant.
DailyMed. (2022). Sudafed sinus congestion 12 hour.
DailyMed. (2022). Sudafed sinus congestion 24 hour.
DailyMed. (2022). Sudafed sinus congestion.
DailyMed. (2023). Sudafed sinus 12 hour pressure plus pain.
Glowacka, K., et al. (2021). Pseudoephedrine—benefits and risks. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
MedlinePlus. (2018). Pseudoephedrine.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (n.d.). What medicine can I take for allergies while I’m pregnant?
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