Sudafed Decongestant Liquid is a raspberry-flavour oral syrup containing pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30mg per 5ml. It relieves a blocked nose, blocked sinuses and catarrh associated with colds. For adults and children aged 6 and over, sold by Ways Pharmacy (UK) as a pharmacy medicine.
This is a pharmacy (P) medicine sold under the supervision of our GPhC-registered pharmacist. You may be asked a few short questions before your order is supplied.
Key facts
| Active ingredient | Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30mg per 5ml |
|---|---|
| Format | Oral liquid (syrup), 100ml amber bottle with double-ended 2.5ml/5ml spoon |
| Use | Relief of nasal congestion, sinus congestion and catarrh associated with colds |
| Age | Adults and children 6 years and over; not for children under 6 |
| Dose 12+ | Two 5ml spoonfuls (10ml) every 4–6 hours, up to 4 times a day |
| Dose 6–12 years | One 5ml spoonful every 4–6 hours, up to 4 times a day |
| Maximum | 4 doses in 24 hours; at least 4 hours between doses |
| Contains | Sucrose 3.5g per 5ml; colour Ponceau 4R (E124); essentially sodium-free |
| Pack | 100ml |
Who it is for
- Adults and children from 6 years with a blocked nose or sinuses during a cold.
- People who want an oral decongestant rather than a nasal spray.
- Families who need a liquid with a separate children’s dose (6–12 years).
Not suitable for: Children under 6. Anyone with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, glaucoma, phaeochromocytoma, or severe acute or chronic kidney disease. Do not take with beta-blockers, MAOI or RIMA antidepressants (or within 14 days of stopping them), stimulants, appetite suppressants, asthma or congestion medicines of the sympathomimetic type, or any other cough and cold medicine. Ask a pharmacist first if you have kidney or severe liver problems, blocked arteries, a thyroid disorder, prostate or urinary problems, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, digoxin, ergot migraine medicines or moclobemide.
How to use
- Read the label and Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) before use.
- Shake the bottle thoroughly. Use the double-ended spoon supplied and do not overfill it.
- Adults and children 12 and over: two 5ml spoonfuls every 4–6 hours, up to 4 times a day.
- Children 6–12 years: one 5ml spoonful every 4–6 hours, up to 4 times a day.
- Leave at least 4 hours between doses. Do not take more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
- Do not give to a child under 12 for more than 5 days without a doctor’s advice. If symptoms persist or get worse, stop and talk to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sudafed Decongestant Liquid drowsy?
Pseudoephedrine is not a sedating antihistamine, but the leaflet lists drowsiness, difficulty sleeping, nervousness and dizziness among possible side effects. See how it affects you before driving.
How much can I take in a day?
Adults and children 12+: 10ml per dose, up to 4 doses (40ml) in 24 hours. Children 6–12: 5ml per dose, up to 4 doses in 24 hours. Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
How long can I use it for?
Use it for the shortest time needed. Children under 12 should not take it for more than 5 days without a doctor’s advice. If symptoms persist or worsen at any age, stop and see your doctor.
Why is there a limit on how many packs I can buy?
Pseudoephedrine is a pharmacy medicine with legal sales limits in the UK: one pack per customer per transaction, under a pharmacist’s supervision. This 100ml bottle contains 600mg of pseudoephedrine.
Can I take it with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
Plain paracetamol or ibuprofen is generally fine, but do not combine it with any other cold and flu product that already contains a decongestant. Ask the pharmacist to check.
Can I take it if I have high blood pressure?
No. Pseudoephedrine raises blood pressure and heart rate and must not be used if you have high blood pressure or heart disease, or take beta-blockers.
Safety and storage
- Stop taking and seek medical help at once if you get a sudden severe headache, fever with pustular rash, sudden tummy pain or rectal bleeding, chest pain, or loss of vision (see PIL).
- Contains 3.5g sucrose per 5ml; take this into account if you have diabetes or a sugar intolerance.
- Store below 25°C. Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed.
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Read the PIL. Report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
This is a medicine. Always read the label and the Patient Information Leaflet before use. If symptoms persist, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
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