Pseudoephedrine for stuffy nose

PSEUDOEPHEDRINE DOSAGE (DECONGESTANT)

Child's weight (more than) pounds 18 27 36 54 72 140 lbs
Total amount (mg) 7.5 12 15 22 30 60 mg
Infant Drops 7.5 mg./0.8 ml 0.8 1.2 1.6 -- -- -- ml
Liquid 15mg/5ml (tsp) 1/2 3/4 1 1 1/2 2 -- tsp
Chewable 15 mg. -- -- 1 1 1/2 2 4 tablets
Tablets 30 mg. -- -- -- -- 1 2 tablets
Tablet 60 mg. -- -- -- -- -- 1 tablets

Indications: Treatment of nasal congestion (stuffiness).

  • AGE LIMIT: Don't use under 2 years of age.
    • REASON 1: Not approved by FDA because dosage not studied in this age range
    • REASON 2: Risk of dosage error cuasing high blood pressure
  • CAUTION: Never give 2 cough or cold medicines at the same time. (Reason: May share an ingredient and cause poisoning). Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under 6 years of age (AAP recommendations 10/2007).
  • REFERENCE: Srinivasan A, et. al. Infant deaths associated with cough and cold medications, two states, 2005. MMWR Weekly, January 12, 2007:56(01);1-4. Available at www.cdc.gov/mmwr.
  • AVAILABILITY: Pseudoephedrine products are found behind the counter of pharmacies in response to legislation enacted in 2006. Ask a pharmacist for assistance in obtaining these medications.
  • PSEUDOEPHEDRINE DOSAGE: determine by finding child's weight in the top row of the dosage table.
  • ADULT DOSAGE: 60 mg maximum
  • FREQUENCY: Repeat every 6 hours as needed

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

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