Can You Take Sudafed With Amoxicillin?

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.