Sudafed is a drug that might help if you’re clogged up and need relief. Sudafed relieves congestion and pressure in the nose and sinuses caused by the common cold, hay fever, or upper respiratory allergies. 

Here’s everything you need to know about using this medication to treat congestion safely.

What is Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine)?

Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve the pain and pressure of a stuffy nose and sinuses caused by infection (such as the common cold or flu) or other respiratory disorders (such as hay fever, allergies, bronchitis). The decongestant pseudoephedrine (sympathomimetic). It reduces edema and congestion by restricting the blood vessels. If you’re self-treating with this, make sure you read the manufacturer’s packaging instructions carefully, so you know when to seek medical advice.

Cough-and-cold remedies have not been shown safe or beneficial in children under the age of six. doctor. For further information on how to use your product safely, see your doctor or pharmacist. These medications do not treat or decrease the duration of the common cold, and they may cause significant adverse effects.

Follow all dose instructions carefully to reduce the risk of major adverse effects. This product should not be used to put a youngster to sleep. Other cough and cold medications that may contain the same or comparable components should not be given. Other strategies to ease cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough water, using a humidifier, or saline nasal drops/spray) should be discussed with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to use Sudafed pseudoephedrine orally

If you’re self-treating with an over-the-counter remedy, read all of the directions on the packaging before using it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any queries. Take this medication exactly as advised by your doctor.

Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, every 12 to 24 hours, or as advised by your doctor or the product label, depending on the product. Take no more than 240 milligrams every day. Dosage is determined by your age, medical condition, and treatment response. Do not raise your dose or use this medication more frequently than recommended. Take no more of this medication than is prescribed for your age.

If you’re using the liquid suspension, give it a good shake before each dosage. Carefully measure the dose with a pharmaceutical measuring instrument or a spoon. If you use a regular spoon, you could not obtain the right dose.

With a glass of water, take the capsules or tablets. Completely swallow the pills. The capsules or pills should not be crushed or chewed. This can cause the entire medicine to be released at once, raising the chance of unwanted effects. Also, unless your doctor or pharmacist directs you to, do not divide the pills unless they have a score line. Without crushing or chewing, swallow the full or divided pill.

What are Sudafed side effects?

Nausea, vomiting, insomnia, dizziness, headaches, and anxiousness are all possible side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if any of these side effects persist or worsen. If you have dizziness, anxiousness, or difficulties sleeping, stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor right away. An empty pill shell may emerge in your stool with some products. Because your body has already absorbed the drug, this reaction is safe.

If your doctor has prescribed this medicine, keep in mind that your doctor has determined that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of adverse effects. Many people who use this medicine have no major adverse effects.

If you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects: stomach/abdominal pain that doesn’t go away, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, confusion, restlessness), shaking (tremor), or difficulty urinating, stop taking this medication and contact your doctor right away.

Although a severe allergic reaction to this medicine is unusual, get medical help right once if one happens. Rashes, itching/swelling (particularly of the face, tongue, and throat), extreme dizziness, and difficulty breathing are all signs of a significant allergic response.

Caffeine can make this medication’s negative effects worse. Avoid consuming significant amounts of caffeine-containing drinks (coffee, tea, colas), eating big amounts of chocolate, or taking caffeine-containing nonprescription items.

This isn’t an exhaustive list of potential adverse effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any other side effects not listed above.

Sudafed precautions you should know

If you are allergic to pseudoephedrine or have any other allergies, notify your doctor or pharmacist before taking it. Tell your doctor if you’ve had any unfavorable reactions to sympathomimetics before (such as ephedrine, phenylephrine). Inactive chemicals in this product might cause allergic reactions or other complications. For further information, see your pharmacist.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have diabetes, glaucoma, heart issues (such as heart attack, chest discomfort, or heart failure), fast/irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, renal illness, hyperactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or trouble urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate).

This medication may cause dizziness. You may become dizzy if you consume alcohol or marijuana (cannabis). Do not drive, operate equipment, or perform any other activity that requires awareness until you are sure you can do so safely. Limit your alcohol consumption. If you use marijuana, talk to your doctor (cannabis).

Sugar, alcohol, or aspartame may be present in liquid goods. If you have diabetes, alcoholism, liver illness, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to restrict or avoid these chemicals in your diet, proceed with caution. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice on how to use this medication safely.

Because of the danger of obstruction, the 240-milligram sustained-release pseudoephedrine products should not be used if you have a severe constriction of the esophagus, stomach, or intestine.

Final thoughts: consult your health expert

Sudafed is one of numerous medication choices for treating nasal congestion and pressure available today. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any more questions about Sudafed. They can assist you in selecting a drug that will safely ease your or your child’s nasal issues. Posted by CuttingEdgeVitamins

If you are always stressed out, nervous, and feeling anxious, chances are that someone close to you has suggested you take ashwagandha. They may have claimed that this can help not only to calm you down, but also heaps more of other benefits. If you’ve never heard of this supplement, it’s normal to be skeptical. Are these supposed benefits real?

Here are some of the top benefits of ashwagandha that are proven and backed by science.

What Is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a perennial plant native to India, Africa, and portions of the Middle East. It is also sometimes called “Indian Winter cherry” or Indian Ginseng Ayurvedic medicine has historically utilized ashwagandha to boost energy, enhance general health, and reduce inflammation, discomfort, and anxiety.

The name “ashwagandha” refers to the fragrance of its root, which is described as “like a horse” by definition. This plant is used as a general tonic to increase energy and relieve tension and anxiety, according to practitioners. Some people believe that the plant can help with cancer, Alzheimer’s illness, and anxiety.

Here are some of the science-backed health benefits of ashwagandha.

#1 Helps Improve Performance in Some Sports

The effectiveness of ashwagandha in increasing strength and muscular growth is still being researched. Participants in one trial reported greater speed and strength. Some people said they slept better after taking ashwagandha, but this study didn’t compare it to a placebo.

Another study with just male participants found that ashwagandha treatments were effective. Men who took ashwagandha experienced substantial improvements in muscular strength and size in their arms and chests, as well as a significant reduction in body fat percentage and post-workout muscle injury, when compared to the placebo group.

#2 Reduces Levels of Stress and Anxiety

The stress-relieving qualities of Ashwagandha are likely its most well-known health benefits. Several studies have demonstrated ashwagandha’s capacity to considerably reduce individuals’ stress and anxiety levels. Researchers demonstrated that ashwagandha can improve sleep quality in one trial, confirming that individuals slept substantially better with ashwagandha doses compared to placebo doses.

In a study published in 2019, researchers discovered that taking a daily dose of 240 milligrams of ashwagandha lowered stress levels considerably when compared to a placebo. Reduced levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, were among the results.

Another research of 60 persons revealed that those who took 240 mg of ashwagandha extract per day for 60 days had much lower anxiety levels than those who were given a placebo.

#3 Can Help Ease Symptoms Of Mental Health Conditions

Research showed that ashwagandha may help lessen symptoms of various mental health problems, such as depression.

Researchers studied the effects of ashwagandha on 66 persons with schizophrenia who were depressed and anxious in one trial. They discovered that individuals who received 1,000 mg of ashwagandha extract daily for 12 weeks had lower depression and anxiety levels than those who took a placebo.

Although some research suggests that ashwagandha may have antidepressant properties in certain people, it should not be used in place of antidepressant prescription. If you’re experiencing depressive symptoms, speak with a healthcare professional to obtain any assistance or therapy you may require.

#4 Can Improve Memory and Mental Performance

Ashwagandha has been shown to improve cognitive performance. There were early indications that ashwagandha might enhance cognitive performance in specific populations, including older persons with moderate cognitive impairment and those with schizophrenia, according to a study that comprised five clinical investigations.

Executive functioning, attention, response time, and performance on cognitive tasks are just a few of the cognitive processes it may help with.

In a research of 50 people, ingesting 600 mg of ashwagandha extract per day for 8 weeks resulted in substantial improvements in the above-mentioned metrics when compared to a placebo.

#5 Provides Relief From Sexual Dysfunction

In certain trials, ashwagandha supplements have been proven to improve male fertility and testosterone levels.

In one research, 43 overweight men aged 40 to 70 with minor weariness administered ashwagandha extract or placebo pills daily for eight weeks. The ashwagandha medication was linked to an 18% rise in DHEA-S, a sex hormone involved in the manufacture of testosterone. In addition, individuals who took the herb had a 14.7 percent higher testosterone rise than those who took the placebo.

Ashwagandha has also been shown to help women with sexual dysfunction in at least one clinical research. According to the subjects’ self-reports, ashwagandha treatment resulted in considerable improvements in arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction. It also increased the number of effective sexual interactions and reduced discomfort related to their sexual life and sexuality.

#6 Lowers Level of Blood Sugar and Body Fat

Ashwagandha was proven to be effective in lowering blood glucose and lipids in a few modest clinical investigations (the most common type of fat in the blood).

The blood sugar-lowering benefits of ashwagandha have been compared to those of type 2 diabetes medicines in one research.

Treatment with ashwagandha substantially lowered blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), insulin, blood lipids, and oxidative stress indicators, according to a review of 24 investigations, including 5 clinical studies in persons with diabetes.

At this moment, however, research is limited, and additional well-designed trials are required.

How Should You Take Ashwagandha?

Doses of 250–600 mg/day of ashwagandha root extract have been utilized in studies. The most typical dosage regimen is 600 mg twice a day, with one dose taken at breakfast and the other in the evening.

For athletes under an intense training routine, evidence shows that 600 mg/day is preferable to lesser dosages for enhancing sleep.

It’s unclear whether ashwagandha loses its efficacy over time when taken on a regular basis, but given its potential drug-like effects on neurotransmission, this possibility can’t be ruled out. It’s also unclear whether consuming ashwagandha on a weekly or biweekly basis affects its efficacy.

The Bottom Line

Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal plant that has a variety of health advantages. Although taking ashwagandha will not eliminate stress, it may assist to decrease the symptoms and make one feel more at peace. However, investing the effort to build coping mechanisms to assist you handle stress in the future will pay off in the long term.

Most people regard ashwagandha to be reasonably safe. However, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare practitioner before incorporating ashwagandha into your daily regimen.

Posted by CuttingEdgeVitamins