Can You Take Sudafed With Amoxicillin?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not there is an interaction between Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and amoxicillin.
Can you take amoxicillin with Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)? I am treating a sinus infection and want to make sure the combination is safe.
Sep 09, 2022- Sudafed and amoxicillin can be safely taken together with no interaction between them.
- Both medications are commonly used together to treat sinus infections, as amoxicillin fights the infection while Sudafed helps relieve congestion and sinus pressure.
- If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before using Sudafed since it may raise blood pressure in some people.
Answer
Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is safe to take with amoxicillin and there is no interaction between the two medications.
Using both Sudafed and amoxicillin at the same time is fairly common as Sudafed can often help alleviate the symptoms of sinusitis (e.g. congestion & sinus pressure), a common infection treated by amoxicillin.
Sudafed PE (phenylephrine), the non-pseudoephedrine version of Sudafed, is also safe to take with amoxicillin.
Below, we provide additional information regarding Sudafed and amoxicillin.
Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine)
Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is a 'sympathomimetic' medication, chemically similar to ephedrine. Sudafed is an effective nasal and sinus decongestant. It can also help to relieve sinus pressure.
Oral decongestants, such as Sudafed, are generally recommended over topical decongestants such as Afrin as oral decongestants are not typically associated with rebound congestion. While Sudafed is generally well tolerated, there is some concern with its use in those with hypertension (i.e. high blood pressure).
Most studies indicate that the use of Sudafed in those with high blood pressure, at recommended doses, does not appear to cause significant increases in blood pressure. Nevertheless, if you do have issues with blood pressure, you should speak with your doctor before using Sudafed. Aside from increases in blood pressure, Sudafed may also cause:
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is an aminopenicillin antibiotic, structurally similar to penicillin. However, it has a broader spectrum of action (i.e. effective for more types of infection) than penicillin and is generally well tolerated when compared to other antibiotics.
Amoxicillin is indicated for the treatment of a variety of infections including:
- Otitis media (ear infection)
- Sinusitis
- Upper respiratory infections
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Amoxicillin is generally taken for 10 to 14 days and can be given without regard to food in most cases. Outside the potential for allergic reaction, the most common side effects are:
- Urine odor
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea
Final Words
As discussed above, Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is safe to take with amoxicillin and there is no interaction between the two.
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Sympathomimetic
- A medication that mimics the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, typically used to relieve congestion and nasal symptoms.
- Decongestant
- A medication that reduces nasal and sinus congestion by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages.
- Rebound congestion
- A worsening of nasal congestion that occurs after stopping the use of certain decongestant medications.
- Hypertension
- High blood pressure, a condition where blood pressure is consistently elevated.
- Aminopenicillin
- A type of penicillin-based antibiotic with an expanded range of effectiveness against different bacteria.
- Spectrum of action
- The range of different types of bacteria or infections that a medication can effectively treat.
- Otitis media
- An infection of the middle ear, commonly referred to as an ear infection.
- Sinusitis
- An infection or inflammation of the sinuses that causes congestion and sinus pressure.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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