Zephrex-D: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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1. What is Zephrex?

Pseudoephedrine is used for the temporary relief of nasal congestion and sinus pain caused by certain infections (such as the common cold, seasonal flu) or other respiratory illnesses. (such as hay fever, allergies, bronchitis). Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic decongestant that works by constricting blood vessels to reduce swelling and congestion.
If you are self-medicating with Zephrex-D, the patient should note that the most important thing is to carefully read the manufacturer's instructions for use to know in which cases to consult a doctor.
Cough and cold products have not been proven safe or effective in children under 6 years of age, so do not use Zephrex in children under 6 years of age. Dosage forms of the drug such as long-acting tablets/capsules are not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. Therefore, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more details on how to safely use Zephrex-D products.
Zephrex does not cure or shorten the duration of the common cold and can cause serious side effects. To reduce this risk, patients should carefully follow all dosing instructions, do not use Zephrex-D to help a child sleep, do not use more than one cough and cold medicine at the same time. because they may contain the same decongestant or similar effects.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other methods to help relieve cough and cold symptoms such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or using saline drops/nasal sprays.

2. How to use Zephrex

If you are using over-the-counter Zephrex for self-treatment, read all directions on the product packaging before taking the medicine. If you have any questions about Zephrex-D contact your doctor or pharmacist, if your doctor has prescribed Zephrex, take it exactly as directed.
Zephrex-D is to be taken orally, before or after a meal, usually every 4 to 6 hours according to the instructions that came with the product or as directed by your doctor. Note that Zephrex-D should not be used more than 4 times in a day.
Dosage of Pseudoephedrine is based on the patient's age, medical condition and response to treatment, do not increase the dose or take the drug more than 4 times a day than directed. At the same time, do not exceed the recommended dose of Zephrex according to the age of the patient.
If you are using Zephrex chewable tablets, please chew each tablet thoroughly and swallow. For the liquid form of Zephrex-D, the patient should carefully measure the dose with a special measuring device/cup (do not use a household spoon).
There are different brands and dosage forms of pseudoephedrine on the market, so check the product packaging for specific instructions. Read the drug information for each product carefully as levels of pseudoephedrine can vary and be sure not to exceed the recommended dose of pseudoephedrine.
Caffeine can increase the side effects of Zephrex. Therefore, patients should avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (such as coffee, tea, cola), eating large amounts of chocolate, or consuming over-the-counter products that contain caffeine.
If cold symptoms do not improve after 7 days, tend to worsen, recur, or the patient has a fever, rash, persistent headache, or thinks there may be a serious medical problem, Patients should seek medical attention immediately.

3. Zephrex side effects

Zephrex may cause nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, dizziness, headache or nervousness, if any of these effects persist, tell your doctor right away. Stop taking Zephrex and tell your doctor right away if you experience dizziness, nervousness, or trouble sleeping.
Serious side effects of Zephrex include: abnormally fast heart rate, pounding heart, mental changes such as anxiety, confusion, restlessness, tremors, difficulty urinating.
Very serious allergic reactions to pseudoephedrine are very rare with symptoms including: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a list of all side effects of pseudoephedrine, if a patient notices effects not listed above, contact their doctor immediately.

4. Notes when using Zephrex

Before taking pseudoephedrine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this active ingredient or if you have any other allergies, especially if you have a history of negative reactions to pseudoephedrine. other sympathomimetic drugs (eg, ephedrine, phenylephrine).
Any health problems should be carefully mentioned before using Zephrex medicinal products including: diabetes, eye disease (glaucoma), heart problems (such as heart attack, chest pain, etc.) heart failure), heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, difficulty urinating.
Zephrex may make the patient dizzy. So do not drive, use machines, or do anything that requires alertness until the patient can do it safely.
Older adults are more susceptible to the side effects of Zephrex, especially fast heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, problems urinating, trouble sleeping, or confusion. Children may be more sensitive to the effects of Zephrex, especially restlessness.
During pregnancy, Zephrex should only be used when clearly needed after discussing the risks and benefits with your doctor. Pseudoephedrine passes into breast milk, so the risks and benefits should be discussed with your doctor before giving Zephrex to a nursing woman.

5. Zephrex drug interactions

Drug interactions can change the way Zephrex works or increase your risk of serious side effects. Some products that may interact with Zephrex include: stimulants (such as caffeine, dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, herbal products such as ephedra), terbutaline.
Taking an MAO inhibitor with Zephrex can cause serious (even fatal) drug interactions, so MAO inhibitors should be avoided during Zephrex treatment. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken in the two weeks prior to treatment with Zephrex, so ask your doctor when to start or stop taking any medication.
Pseudoephedrine may decrease the effectiveness of blood pressure medicines (such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, guanethidine, methyldopa). Check the labels of all medicines you are taking with Zephrex because they may contain the ingredient phenylephrine.
Zephrex overdose symptoms may include: slow breathing, shallow breathing, hallucinations, seizures. Zephrex is for temporary use only, do not use it for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
If you miss a dose of Zephrex, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose of Zephrex, skip the missed dose, do not double it. Do not flush Zephrex down the toilet or down the drain unless it has expired or is no longer needed.
Knowing the information about Zephrex before using it always brings positive effects and reduces risks for patients. If you have any questions, you can send them to Vinmec International General Hospital to receive in-depth advice from a team of doctors and pharmacists with many years of experience.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: webmd.com