Question

Peter is seen in the clinic with symptoms of a cold. The health care provider recommends that he take pseudoephedrine. Peter is unfamiliar with pseudoephedrine and the use of the correct dosing.

a) What are the key teaching points for pseudoephedrine?

b) What is the biggest drug–drug interaction problem with over-the-counter cold remedies?

Answer 1

a). The key teaching points for pseudoephedrine include,

• The patient inform if he/she observe any signs of allergic reaction, i.e. swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat and worsening of the breathing problem
• Palpitations, anxiety
• Nasal bleeding, or easy bruising
• Severe headache, and blurred vision
• Must not be given to children below 4 years age

b). The interaction of cold remedies with other CNS depressants is one of the serious drug–drug interaction problem with over-the-counter cold remedies.