Best Sudafed PE Alternative

ValuMeds Nasal Decongestant is effective sinus congestion and stuffy nose reliever that’s available in OTC time-release tablets in most major drugstores. An FDA-approved non-prescription drug, Nasal Decongestant works to clear up a blocked nasal passageway and make it easier for patients suffering from a variety of cold symptoms and respiratory allergies.

Nasal Decongestant is ideal for conditions such as sinusitis, which cause an irritant and sometimes painful congestion in the nasal pathway, while also causing difficulty in breathing. While the drug is best used to clear congestion in the nose and airway, it can also be used to treat a number of allergic reactions that result in a swollen nose and bronchial passage.

Since it’s an over-the-counter medication, similar to brand name drugs such as Sudafed PE, it doesn’t require a doctor’s prescription to purchase it. The best way to take this medication is one (1) caplet with plain water, every four (4) hours while symptoms persist.

It’s better to consult with a doctor before giving this medication to children under 12 years of age.

How does the Phenylephrine in ValuMeds Nasal Decongestant (Sudafed Alternative) Work?

The Phenylephrine in ValuMeds Nasal Decongestant works by constricting the blood vessels in and around the nasal area, thereby opening up the passage for better airflow and easier breathing.

The chemical is a decongestant that operates through vasoconstriction or narrowing of blood vessels. Symptoms of the common cold include swelling in the nasal area and leading down to the bronchial tract. Phenylephrine is in a class of nasal blood-flow inhibitors which can provide significant comfort during the onset of cold and flu symptoms.

ValuMeds Nasal Decongestant is one of the best Sudafed alternates that you can get over the pharmacy counter today. It’s a hyper-effective combination of primary and inactive ingredients makes it a very viable medication for all sorts of nasal congestion.

Typical Uses of Phenylephrine in ValuMeds Nasal Decongestant (Sudafed Alternative)

Phenylephrine is most commonly used as a nasal decongestant. However, due to its properties and primary action, it’s better that we take a look at some of its other uses as well.

These are:

• Bronchial Decongestion: The decongestant properties of Phenylephrine are not limited to the immediate nasal area. Instead, it has a similar effect on most of the upper bronchial tract, making the compound ideal to relieve congestion due to swelling in that area. This swelling could also be due to allergic reactions, which are addressed all the same by the compound.
• Respiratory Allergy Relief: Phenylephrine is an effective blood-vessel restrictor, which makes it very useful for allergic reactions and conditions such as hay fever, that cause swelling in the upper respiratory tract. It can release pressure in that area which would otherwise result in chest pain from excessive swelling and tenderness.
• Pain Relief: While it does not address the pain stemming from respiratory illnesses, it does reduce swelling which could be the source of primary discomfort in the presence of other symptoms. In fact, Nasal Decongestant is very effective at that sort of non-targeted pain relief, making it ideal to take during cold and flu.

Typical Side Effects of Phenylephrine in ValuMeds Nasal Decongestant (Sudafed Alternative)

Because Phenylephrine is a decongestant, it does not have the side effects that other cold and flu drugs such as mucoactives do. However, both an improper usage of the drug and the presence of pre-existing health conditions lend to the compound having some side effects.

The most prominent of the side effects are:

• Nervousness: Can be unnerving for first time users, but only occurs due to improper usage or during the drug adjustment period.
• Sleeplessness: A less common side effect, usually a byproduct of increased blood pressure.
• Dizziness: A result of blood vessels shrinking close to and in the nasal and facial areas.
• Headaches: Some patients may experience a light headache with minr throbbing.
• Lightheadedness: Often occurs alongside dizziness, and can lead to increased confusion among patients.
• Trouble Sleeping: Yet another effect that is accompanied by dizziness and lightheadedness.
• Upset Stomach: One of the milder effects of the drug, can happen during the initial dosage.
• Fast Heartbeat: Happens due to increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure during the immediate aftermath of each dosage, as the drug takes effect.

It’s important to note that the majority of the side effects occur as a result of an dosage that exceeds the limits recommended on the back of the packaging, as measured by experts, or due to some pre-existing conditions that make the body susceptible to such effects. In any case, it is better to consult a doctor in the slightest event of any negative effect manifesting. A medical professional may be able to help you avoid the side effects of the drug altogether.

Additional Side Effects

The aforementioned are some of the primary side effects of taking ValuMeds Nasal Decongestant as part of a cold and flu medication regimen. However, the drug has some more unique side effects too, which are as follows.

• Increased Blood Pressure: Often always occurs, in varying degrees, in all patients taking the drug for the first time, and even subsequent times.
• Cold Hands and Feet: Occur as a direct result of reduced blood flow to the extremities.
• Shakiness: A product of both decreased blood flow to parts of the body, and nervousness.
• Irregular Heartbeat: Happens as a result of blood pressure variation.

Some side-effects of the drug are unique to this type of drug, and have the potential to become serious in some cases. In light of this, it’s advised NEVER to administer the medication to children under the age of 12, unless under qualified medical supervision of after recommendation from a doctor.

Read Before Using ValuMeds Nasal Decongestant (Sudafed Alternative)

ValuMeds Nasal Decongestant is considered safe for most users, except those with pre-existing conditions or allergies that make them vulnerable to the mild or severe side effects of the drug. However, there are some general warnings and precautions that you should consider, before using the medication. These include:

• The active ingredient in the drug, Phenylephrine, has been known to produce psychological and vasorestrictive reactions in some users.
• The drug is NOT SAFE for children under 6 years old, and generally not suitable for children under 12 years old.
• DO NOT use if you have an existing allergy to Phenylephrine or any of the other ingredients in the drug.
• DO NOT use if you you already suffer from problems with either high or low blood pressure.
• Do not take simultaneously alongside non-selective Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI).
• In case of accidental or intentional overdose, please seek medical help or local Poison Control Center immediately.

Furthermore, always read the back label of the drug packaging and adhere to the dosage instructions mentioned there. Additionally, keep the drug out of the reach of children, as a general rule.