Sudafed Question - pseudoephedrine vs. phenylephrine

jeffrae · March 2009

XP:

On my safe list from my old OB's office is Sudafed made from pseudoephedrine . I just got some from the store and they changed their ingredients to phenylephrine . Have your doctor's had recommendations on using the newer version of sudafed? I am miserable with a cold right now -- will call the OB office tomorrow to hear her official answer of course.

ashs · March 2009

Good question. I called yesterday and they just said Sudafed was okay not anything specific. Mine has phenylephrine. I figured it was better since I didn't have to get it behind the counter.

lkstor · March 2009

no - there is not enough evidence that phenylephrine is safe during pregnancy.

you can still buy sudafed (pseudoephedrine) instead of sudafed pe (phenylephrine). they keep it behind the pharmacy counter and you need to sign for it.

send hubby to get the other stuff for you.

jeffrae · March 2009

thanks, I am glad I posted this question. i can't believe there are two types out there!

lkstor · March 2009

jeffrae:
thanks, I am glad I posted this question. i can't believe there are two types out there!

the only reason they have sudafed behind the counter now is because it can be used to make crystal meth... so the government wanted a way to track how much people were buying. if you buy a TON, it would look suspicious. but there were no concerns about safely that prompted this change.

lplassman · March 2009

My doctor said just "plain" sudafed...whatever that means. I think its the old stuff I believe you usually have to get it behind the pharm counter and show ID. That way they can track you if you are a meth dealer lol!

kimmie321 · March 2009

I was about to ask if you got it from the pharamicist. That is the only one that is safe.

BarnStar · March 2009

Yup, you need the stuff that is behind the counter. And also, the 4 hour dosing, not the 12 hour. Which sucks, because the 12 hour is what always worked for me. I think your ticker said you are beyond 12wks right? B/c my safe list said Sudafed was only ok AFTER 1st tri - not sure why?

ashs · March 2009

Great! So what kind of damage could I have done by taking the kind that isn't behind the counter. Now I'm freaking out! Should I call the Dr. tomorrow and let them know that I took the wrong one? The nurse didn't say to get a specific one just Sudafed.

Mrs*Lauren*and*Justin · March 2009

Hey Rae! The reasoning they say the phenylephrine may not be safe is that it can cause problems with the placenta supposedly.

I would definitely not take it, and get the other one tomorrow! I lived on it last week, I feel your pain!

Here's one of the stories I saw on it last week!

https://www.loveshakbaby.com/2007/04/taking_sudafed_.html

Feel better ?

anakin · March 2009

I wouldn't worry about taking it. Just stop and start taking the one behind the counter. Then mention it when you go for your next appointment.

Actually I changed my mind, call and tell them that the nurse gave you the wrong info. They need to be specific because all their pg patients will end up taking the wrong stuff.

They changed the formula because people were complaining that they had to go to the counter. My DH had to wait for a manager and fill out a form in order to get mine last week. It was a pain, but it is all I can take.

So definitely call tomorrow to let someone know they were giving out the wrong info.

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Sudafed Question - pseudoephedrine vs. phenylephrine

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